Hadith #7557

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

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

Considering your knowledge (or action) as little is from the excellence of your knowledge.

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

The word "fadhil" in Arabic means excellence or virtue, and "ilm" means knowledge. The word "istiqalal" can be translated as considering or regarding something as little or insignificant. Therefore, the Hadith can be understood as emphasizing the importance of recognizing the vastness and depth of one's knowledge, rather than underestimating it.

This Hadith reminds us of the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights the significance of knowledge and the distinction it brings to individuals. It emphasizes that those who possess knowledge are elevated and superior to those who lack it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.

This verse highlights that knowledge is a means of elevation and honor in the sight of Allah. It is a source of spiritual growth and progress.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that considering our knowledge or actions as little is a reflection of the excellence of our knowledge. This means that when we recognize the vastness and depth of knowledge, we become aware of the immense potential it holds. We understand that there is always room for growth and improvement, and we strive to continuously increase our knowledge and actions.

By acknowledging the vastness of knowledge, we become humble and open to learning. We understand that there is always more to discover and comprehend. This humility leads to a constant pursuit of knowledge and a desire to improve ourselves. It motivates us to seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Considering our knowledge as little also prevents us from becoming complacent or arrogant. It reminds us that no matter how much knowledge we possess, there is always more to learn. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. We understand that our knowledge should not be limited to theoretical understanding but should also be applied in practical actions that benefit ourselves and society.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-assessment. By recognizing the vastness of knowledge, we evaluate our own understanding and actions. We identify our strengths and weaknesses, and we work towards improving ourselves. This self-reflection leads to personal growth and development.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to consider our knowledge or actions as little, which is a reflection of the excellence of our knowledge. By recognizing the vastness and depth of knowledge, we become humble, open to learning, and motivated to continuously improve ourselves. We understand that knowledge is a means of elevation and honor in the sight of Allah, and it should be applied in practical actions that benefit ourselves and society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and humility to seek knowledge and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.