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لاخَيْرَ فِي المَنْظَرِ إلاّ مَعَ حُسْنِ المَخْبَرِ۔

There is no good in that which is viewed except when accompanied with a good source of information [or good elocution].

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There is no good in that which is viewed except when accompanied with a...

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Viewed)

Personal Reflection

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

لاخَيْرَ فِي المَنْظَرِ إلاّ مَعَ حُسْنِ المَخْبَرِ۔

This can be translated as:

There is no good in that which is viewed except when accompanied with a good source of information [or good elocution].

Let us delve into the words of this profound Hadith to understand its deeper meaning. The word "manzar" refers to something that is viewed or observed, while "makhbar" refers to the source of information or the way in which something is communicated. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the importance of not only observing something, but also ensuring that the source of information or the way it is conveyed is good.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information before accepting it, as relying on false or misleading information can lead to harm and regret.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse reminds us to be cautious and not to rely on mere appearances or incomplete information. It encourages us to seek knowledge and understanding before forming judgments or making decisions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. It emphasizes the importance of not only observing something but also ensuring that the source of information is reliable and trustworthy. This is crucial in our daily lives, as it helps us avoid misunderstandings, false assumptions, and hasty judgments.

For example, imagine witnessing a heated argument between two individuals. Merely observing the argument without knowing the context or the reasons behind it may lead to a biased judgment. However, if we seek a good source of information by listening to both sides and understanding the underlying issues, we can form a more accurate and fair assessment.

Furthermore, this Hadith has broader implications in the realm of knowledge and education. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his exceptional knowledge and wisdom. He understood that knowledge is not solely about acquiring information but also about discerning the reliability and authenticity of that information. This is particularly relevant in today's era of information overload, where misinformation and fake news can easily spread.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking reliable sources of information and not relying solely on appearances or incomplete knowledge. It encourages us to be critical thinkers, to verify information before accepting it, and to seek a deeper understanding of the truth. By doing so, we can avoid misunderstandings, make informed decisions, and uphold justice in our interactions with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge from trustworthy sources and guide us on the path of righteousness.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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