Hadith #2980

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,

Foolishness is occupying oneself with the superfluous and accompanying the ignorant.

This beautiful saying highlights the importance of wisdom and knowledge in the life of a Muslim. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The first word we will examine is (al-humq) "الحمق", which translates to "foolishness." This term refers to the state of being ignorant, lacking wisdom, and making poor choices. The Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9),

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

Therefore, a Muslim should strive to acquire knowledge and avoid foolishness.

The next phrase in the Hadith is (al-istih'tar bil-fudool) "الاستهتار بالفضول", which can be translated as

occupying oneself with the superfluous.

This phrase warns against wasting time and energy on trivial matters that do not bring any benefit or contribute to one's growth. The Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Asr (103:2-3),

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the importance of utilizing our time wisely and focusing on meaningful pursuits.

The final part of the Hadith states, (wa-musah'abat al-jahool) "ومصاحبة الجهول", which means "accompanying the ignorant." This phrase cautions against associating with those who lack knowledge and understanding. The Quran advises us in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28),

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.

This verse encourages us to surround ourselves with knowledgeable and pious individuals who can guide us towards righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize knowledge and wisdom in their lives. By avoiding foolishness, focusing on meaningful pursuits, and seeking the company of the knowledgeable, we can enhance our understanding of Islam and lead a purposeful life.

The consequences of disregarding this advice are significant. Occupying ourselves with the superfluous and accompanying the ignorant can lead to wasted time, missed opportunities for personal growth, and a deviation from the path of righteousness. Moreover, associating with the ignorant may expose us to their misguided beliefs and actions, potentially leading us astray from the teachings of Islam.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw inspiration from the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself. Known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) served as a beacon of guidance for Muslims. His deep understanding of the Quran and his ability to apply its teachings in various aspects of life exemplify the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the significance of knowledge and wisdom in their lives. By avoiding foolishness, focusing on meaningful pursuits, and seeking the company of the knowledgeable, we can strive towards personal growth and strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we all be guided to seek knowledge and wisdom, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us success in this endeavor.