Hadith #6857

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of not hastily venerating or regarding someone highly until we have truly understood the depth of their knowledge and understanding. Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to better comprehend its message.

The word (istazm) "استعظم" in Arabic means to regard or consider someone as venerable or great. It implies holding someone in high esteem or reverence. The word (ma'rifah) "معرفة" refers to knowledge, understanding, or cognizance. It encompasses not only factual knowledge but also deep comprehension and insight.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights the importance of knowing one another, not based on superficial factors such as lineage or status, but rather on the basis of righteousness and piety. It teaches us that true nobility lies in one's character and actions, not in external appearances or titles. Therefore, it is crucial to withhold our reverence until we have discovered the level of someone's knowledge and understanding.

Another verse that resonates with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse emphasizes the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. It highlights the superiority of those who have acquired knowledge and understanding. It is through knowledge that individuals are able to remember and reflect upon the signs of Allah, thereby attaining a higher level of consciousness and cognizance.

Now, let us reflect on the profound exegesis of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, advises us not to hastily regard anyone as venerable until we have truly explored the depth of their knowledge and understanding. This guidance serves as a reminder for Muslims to be discerning and cautious in their judgments.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to seek knowledge and understanding before forming opinions about others. This is because true greatness lies not in titles or appearances, but in the depth of one's knowledge and comprehension. By doing so, we can avoid blindly following individuals who may lack true understanding or may misguide others.

Moreover, this Hadith teaches us the importance of humility and continuous learning. It reminds us that knowledge is not limited to a specific group or individual, but rather it is a lifelong journey that requires constant effort and dedication. By seeking knowledge and understanding, we can develop a discerning eye and make informed decisions in various aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a valuable reminder for Muslims to withhold their reverence and regard for others until they have truly explored the depth of their knowledge and understanding. It encourages us to seek knowledge, develop discernment, and avoid blindly following individuals without proper understanding. May we all strive to acquire knowledge and understanding, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of righteousness.