Hadith #6731

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "المعرفة الفوز بالقدس" which translates to

Cognizance is the successful attainment of [purification and] the sacred.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of knowledge and understanding in attaining success and purity.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding. The word (cognizance) "المعرفة" refers to knowledge, awareness, and understanding. It encompasses both intellectual and spiritual knowledge, as well as the practical application of that knowledge in one's life. It is through true knowledge that one can attain success and righteousness.

The word (successful attainment) "الفوز" signifies achievement, triumph, and reaching a desired goal. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the attainment of spiritual purification and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It implies that true success lies in the purification of the soul and the attainment of spiritual excellence.

Lastly, the word (the sacred) "بالقدس" refers to the sacredness and sanctity of the divine realm. It represents the ultimate goal of spiritual journey, which is to attain proximity to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to be in a state of constant remembrance and connection with Him.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse emphasizes the importance of Taqwa (piety) as the best provision for the journey of life. It is through knowledge and understanding that one can attain Taqwa and fear Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the true sense.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 29, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse highlights the connection between Taqwa and the forgiveness of sins. It is through the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of knowledge that one can attain purification and forgiveness.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand that the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of knowledge and understanding in attaining spiritual success and purification. True knowledge leads to Taqwa, which in turn leads to the attainment of the sacred and the forgiveness of sins.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His deep understanding of the Quran and his unwavering commitment to its teachings made him a beacon of guidance for Muslims. He exemplified the importance of knowledge in his own life and encouraged others to seek knowledge and understanding.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true success lies in the attainment of knowledge and understanding, which leads to spiritual purification and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge, applying it in our lives, and striving for spiritual excellence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to attain true cognizance and success in this world and the hereafter.