Hadith #7523

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The concealer of knowledge is not certain of being correct in it.

This impactful Hadith highlights the importance of humility and caution when it comes to knowledge. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (al-katim) "الْكاتِمُ", which means "the concealer" or

the one who hides.

This refers to a person who possesses knowledge but chooses to conceal it, either due to fear of being incorrect or for other reasons. The word (al-'ilm) "الْعِلْمِ" means "knowledge," which encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can 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 acting upon it. It cautions against blindly accepting knowledge without proper investigation, as it may lead to harm and regret.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Those who listen to the word and follow the best of it. Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are the ones possessed of understanding.

This verse highlights the importance of not only acquiring knowledge but also following the best and most accurate understanding of it. It encourages seeking guidance from those who possess deep understanding and wisdom.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that the concealer of knowledge is not certain of being correct in it. This statement serves as a reminder to approach knowledge with humility and caution. It discourages arrogance and overconfidence in one's understanding, as it can lead to errors and misguidance.

The concealer of knowledge may have various motivations for hiding it. They may fear being incorrect and causing harm to others by spreading misinformation. They may also recognize their own limitations and choose to remain silent rather than risk misguiding others. This act of concealing knowledge demonstrates a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to preserving the integrity of knowledge.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a reminder that true knowledge is not merely about acquiring information but also about understanding and applying it correctly. It encourages Muslims to seek knowledge from reliable and trustworthy sources, and to approach it with humility and a willingness to constantly learn and grow.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of humility and caution when it comes to knowledge. It encourages us to verify information before accepting it, to seek guidance from those who possess deep understanding, and to approach knowledge with a sense of responsibility and a commitment to preserving its integrity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge with sincerity and humility, and to apply it in a manner that is pleasing to Him.