Hadith #8064

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 (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "كَفَى بِالاِغْتِرَارِ جَهْلاً۔" This can be translated as

Delusion is suffices as ignorance.

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

The word (ightirar) "اِغْتِرَارِ" in this Hadith refers to being deluded or deceived. It implies being caught up in a false perception or belief, which leads one astray from the truth. This delusion can cloud one's judgment and prevent them from seeking knowledge and understanding.

The word (jahlan) "جَهْلاً۔" means ignorance. It refers to a lack of knowledge or understanding. Ignorance can manifest in various forms, such as ignorance of religious teachings, ignorance of the consequences of one's actions, or ignorance of the true nature of the world.

To 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 seeking knowledge and verifying information before acting upon it. It warns against blindly following others and making decisions based on ignorance, as it can lead to harm and regret.

Another verse that sheds light on the significance of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am (6:119), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, 'Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?'

This verse highlights the importance of fighting for justice and standing up against oppression. Ignorance can prevent individuals from recognizing the plight of the oppressed and taking action to alleviate their suffering.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that delusion can be as detrimental as ignorance itself. When one is deluded, they are unable to perceive the truth and are easily misled. This delusion can lead to a state of ignorance, where one remains unaware of the reality around them and fails to seek knowledge and understanding.

For example, if a person is deluded by false ideologies or beliefs, they may be led astray from the path of righteousness and fail to recognize the true teachings of Islam. This delusion can prevent them from seeking knowledge and understanding the true essence of their faith.

Furthermore, delusion can have severe consequences in various aspects of life. It can lead to misguided decisions, strained relationships, and a lack of personal growth. When one is deluded, they may be unable to see the consequences of their actions and fail to make informed choices.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Delusion is suffices as ignorance,

serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek knowledge, question their beliefs, and be wary of falling into delusion. It highlights the importance of critical thinking, self-reflection, and seeking the truth in all aspects of life. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of ignorance and delusion, and strive towards a deeper understanding of our faith and the world around us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of knowledge and wisdom.