Hadith #7300

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

العِلْمُ باللّهِ أفْضَلُ العِلْمَينِ

which translates to

Knowledge about Allah is the better of the two types of knowledge.

This impactful saying emphasizes the superiority of knowledge about Allah over any other form of knowledge.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (knowledge) "عِلْم" refers to the understanding and awareness of something. It encompasses both theoretical knowledge and practical application. In this context, it refers to the knowledge of Allah, His attributes, His actions, and His guidance.

The word (about Allah) "باللّهِ" signifies that this knowledge is specifically about Allah, the Almighty. It encompasses the understanding of His existence, His oneness, His names and attributes, His mercy, His justice, and His guidance for humanity. It is the knowledge that enables us to recognize and worship Allah in the most comprehensive and sincere manner.

The phrase (the better of the two types of knowledge) "أفْضَلُ العِلْمَينِ" highlights the superiority of knowledge about Allah over any other form of knowledge. It implies that although acquiring knowledge in various fields is important and beneficial, the knowledge about Allah surpasses them all in its significance and impact on our lives.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:165),

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.

This verse highlights the importance of having knowledge about Allah, as it leads to a stronger love and devotion towards Him.

Additionally, in Surah Al-An'am (6:59), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darknesses of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that it is [written] in a clear record.

This verse emphasizes the vastness of Allah's knowledge and highlights the importance of seeking knowledge about Him.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the paramount importance of acquiring knowledge about Allah. This knowledge enables us to understand the purpose of our existence, strengthens our relationship with our Creator, and guides us in leading a righteous and fulfilling life.

By seeking knowledge about Allah, we gain insight into His attributes of mercy, justice, and wisdom. This knowledge motivates us to emulate these qualities in our own lives, leading to personal growth and spiritual development. It also helps us navigate the challenges and trials of life, as we trust in Allah's divine plan and rely on His guidance.

Furthermore, knowledge about Allah instills in us a sense of humility and gratitude. As we deepen our understanding of His greatness and perfection, we recognize our own limitations and weaknesses. This realization fosters a sense of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us and encourages us to use our knowledge and abilities in a manner that pleases Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the superiority of knowledge about Allah over any other form of knowledge. This knowledge enables us to develop a stronger love for Allah, gain insight into His attributes, and navigate the challenges of life with trust and gratitude. May Allah bless us all with the ability to seek and acquire knowledge about Him, and may it be a means of drawing closer to Him and attaining His pleasure.