Hadith #2921

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

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises the Muslims to seek knowledge from him before they lose the opportunity. He emphasizes his superior knowledge and understanding of the ways of the heavens compared to the knowledge of the people regarding the ways of the earth.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this hadith to understand its significance. The word (salooni) "سَلُونِي" means "ask me" or

seek knowledge from me.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging the Muslims to approach him and seek guidance and knowledge before it is too late. He is emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge from the Ahl al-Bayt, the family of the Prophet (ﷺ), who are the inheritors of his knowledge and wisdom.

The phrase (before you lose me) "قَبْلَ أَنْ تَفْقِدُونِي" highlights the urgency of seeking knowledge from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) while he is still alive. The companions and the Muslims at that time had the opportunity to benefit directly from his immense knowledge and wisdom. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) knew that his time on earth was limited, and he wanted to ensure that the Muslims would not miss out on the opportunity to learn from him.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states, (for verily I am more aware of the ways of the heavens than you are of the ways of the earth)

فَإِنِّي بِطُرُقِ السَّمَاءِ أَعْلَمُ مِنْكُمْ بِطُرُقِ الْأَرْضِ

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is asserting his superior knowledge and understanding of the ways of the heavens, which symbolizes the realm of divine knowledge and wisdom. He is highlighting that his knowledge surpasses that of the people regarding the ways of the earth, representing worldly knowledge.

To further understand the depth and significance of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and guidance from those who possess it.

In Surah Al-Anbiya, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 21:73)

And We made them leaders, guiding by Our command. And We inspired to them the doing of good deeds, establishment of prayer, and giving of zakah; and they were worshippers of Us.

This verse highlights the role of the chosen leaders and guides who are appointed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to guide the people towards righteousness and knowledge.

In Surah Al-Nahl, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 16:43)

So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge from those who possess it and are qualified to provide guidance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his exceptional knowledge and wisdom. He was the gate to the city of knowledge, as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) famously said. His knowledge encompassed not only the worldly affairs but also the deep spiritual and metaphysical aspects of life. He had a profound understanding of the Quran and its deeper meanings, as he was the first to compile the Quranic verses into a written form during his caliphate.

By urging the Muslims to seek knowledge from him, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us of the importance of seeking guidance from those who possess superior knowledge and understanding. Just as the companions had the opportunity to benefit directly from Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) knowledge, we too should seek knowledge from the scholars and the inheritors of the Prophet's (ﷺ) knowledge in our time.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for us to seek knowledge from those who possess it before it is too late. It highlights the importance of seeking guidance from the Ahl al-Bayt and the scholars who possess deep knowledge and understanding. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Quran and its teachings, and strive towards attaining spiritual and worldly success. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and guidance from those who possess it and bless us with the ability to apply that knowledge in our lives.