Hadith #1892

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

Ignorance makes one stumble and brings regret.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word "jahl" in Arabic refers to ignorance or lack of knowledge. It is a state of being unaware or uninformed about something. Ignorance can manifest in various forms, such as ignorance of religious teachings, lack of understanding of worldly matters, or absence of knowledge about oneself.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge in the Quran. In Surah Al-Zumar, verse 9, Allah says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who are ignorant. Knowledge is a means of guidance and enlightenment, while ignorance leads to stumbling and regret.

The phrase "yuzillu al-qadam" in the Hadith refers to stumbling or tripping. Just as a person who lacks physical vision is prone to stumbling and falling, similarly, one who lacks knowledge is likely to stumble in their actions, decisions, and understanding. Ignorance blinds a person's intellect, making them susceptible to making mistakes and wrong choices.

The consequences of ignorance are not limited to mere stumbling; it also brings regret. The word "yurithu al-nadam" in the Hadith means to inherit or acquire regret. When a person acts out of ignorance, they may later realize the consequences of their actions and feel remorseful. This regret stems from the realization that had they possessed the necessary knowledge, they would have made different choices and avoided the negative outcomes.

The Quran provides numerous examples of the consequences of ignorance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 170, Allah describes the state of those who worship idols, saying,

And when it is said to them, 'Follow what Allah has revealed,' they say, 'Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.' Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?

This verse highlights the ignorance of those who blindly follow their forefathers' practices without seeking knowledge or understanding. Such ignorance leads to deviation from the true path and brings regret in the Hereafter.

Similarly, in Surah Al-An'am, verse 119, Allah warns against following baseless assumptions and conjectures, saying,

And why should you not eat of that upon which the name of Allah has been mentioned while He has explained in detail to you what He has forbidden you, excepting that to which you are compelled?

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the guidance provided by Allah. Ignorance in matters of halal and haram can lead to regretful actions and consequences.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the detrimental effects of ignorance in this Hadith. He reminds us that ignorance not only causes stumbling in our worldly affairs but also brings regret in the long run. It is a call to Muslims to seek knowledge, both religious and worldly, in order to make informed decisions and avoid the pitfalls of ignorance.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to acquire knowledge and understanding in all aspects of our lives. We should seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we can navigate through life with wisdom, avoid stumbling, and live a life free from regret. May Allah grant us the ability to seek knowledge and protect us from the perils of ignorance.