Hadith #8073

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,

لَيْسَ كُلُّ مَغْرُور بِناج، ولاكُلُّ طالِب بِمُحْتاج۔

This Hadith highlights two important concepts: the deluded person and the seeker in need.

The word (maghroor) "مَغْرُور" refers to someone who is deluded or deceived. This person is under the false impression that they are safe and secure, even though they may be far from the truth. On the other hand, the word (naaj) "ناج" means saved or successful. It denotes a person who has attained salvation and is on the right path.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that not every deluded person is saved. This means that merely thinking one is on the right path does not guarantee salvation. It is essential to have true knowledge and understanding of the teachings of Islam to ensure one's salvation. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should not be complacent in their beliefs and actions, but rather continuously seek knowledge and guidance to stay on the right path.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:116),

And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying.

This verse highlights the danger of blindly following the majority without seeking true knowledge. It warns us that following the misguided opinions of others can lead us astray from the path of Allah. Therefore, it is crucial to seek knowledge and understanding directly from authentic sources, such as the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

The second part of the Hadith states,

nor is every seeker needy.

The word (taalib) "طالِب" refers to a seeker or someone who is in search of something. In this context, it refers to a person who seeks guidance, knowledge, and closeness to Allah. The word (muhtaaj) "مُحْتاج" means needy or dependent. It signifies a person who is in need of something, particularly in a spiritual sense.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that not every seeker is truly in need. This means that not everyone who claims to be seeking knowledge or closeness to Allah is genuinely striving for it. Some may seek knowledge for personal gain or recognition, rather than for the sake of Allah. It is essential for Muslims to be sincere in their quest for knowledge and to seek it with the intention of pleasing Allah alone.

The Quran provides us with guidance on the importance of sincerity and true intention in seeking knowledge. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:3),

Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion. And those who take protectors besides Him [say], 'We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in position.' Indeed, Allah will judge between them concerning that over which they differ. Indeed, Allah does not guide he who is a liar and [confirmed] disbeliever.

This verse emphasizes that the true purpose of seeking knowledge should be to draw closer to Allah and to follow His pure religion. It warns against seeking intermediaries or taking protectors besides Allah. True seekers of knowledge should strive to purify their intentions and seek guidance directly from Allah, without relying on any other source.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that mere delusion or seeking knowledge without true need and sincerity does not guarantee salvation. It is essential to seek true knowledge and understanding of Islam from authentic sources, such as the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Muslims should strive to purify their intentions and continuously seek guidance from Allah to ensure they are on the right path towards salvation. May Allah guide us all and grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge with sincerity and humility.