Hadith #7548

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 progeny, and his righteous companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of carrying knowledge with the right intentions and for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. He states that if the people of knowledge were to truly uphold and carry knowledge as it deserves, with sincerity and devotion, then Allah and His angels would surely love them.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then goes on to explain that unfortunately, many individuals seek knowledge for worldly gains and personal interests. They use knowledge as a means to attain power, wealth, and status, rather than seeking it solely for the sake of Allah. This pursuit of worldly gains corrupts their intentions and leads them astray from the true purpose of knowledge.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is displeased with such individuals who seek knowledge for selfish reasons. Their actions are not driven by a genuine desire to seek closeness to Allah and to benefit humanity, but rather by their own desires and ambitions. As a consequence, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) holds disdain for them and they are humiliated in His sight.

To understand the significance of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge with sincerity and for His sake alone. In Surah Al-Zumar, Allah says, (Quran 39:9)

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess true knowledge and those who do not. It emphasizes that true knowledge is not merely about acquiring information, but rather about understanding and applying that knowledge in a way that benefits oneself and others. Those who possess knowledge are reminded to reflect upon its significance and act upon it accordingly.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 27:15)

And We gave to David and Solomon knowledge, and they said, 'Praise [is due] to Allah, who has favored us over many of His believing servants.'

This verse highlights the gratitude expressed by Prophet David and Solomon (عَلَيْهِمَا ٱلسَّلَامُ) upon being blessed with knowledge. They recognized that true knowledge is a divine gift and a means of attaining closeness to Allah. Their acknowledgement of Allah's favor upon them serves as a reminder for us to appreciate and value the knowledge bestowed upon us.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their sect, to reflect upon their intentions when seeking knowledge. It urges us to examine our motives and ensure that our pursuit of knowledge is driven by a sincere desire to please Allah and benefit humanity, rather than seeking personal gain or recognition.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified the true essence of knowledge through his own actions and teachings. His unparalleled wisdom and deep understanding of the Quran and Sunnah serve as an inspiration for all Muslims. He dedicated his life to seeking knowledge and using it for the betterment of society, without seeking any worldly gains.

As Muslims, we should strive to follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and approach knowledge with humility, sincerity, and a genuine desire to please Allah. We should seek knowledge not for personal gain, but as a means of drawing closer to our Creator and fulfilling our responsibilities as His servants.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge with the right intentions and to use it for the betterment of ourselves and humanity. May He purify our hearts and guide us on the path of true knowledge and understanding. And may He shower His blessings upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.