Hadith #3549

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

وَُقَِرَ سَمْعٌ لَمْ تَسْمَعِ الدَّاعِيَةُ۔

This can be translated as:

Deaf is the ear that does not hear the call [of guidance].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (waqira) "وَُقَِرَ" is derived from the root word (qara'a) "قَرَأَ", which means to read, recite, or proclaim. In this context, it refers to the call or invitation to guidance. The word (sam'un) "سَمْعٌ" means ear, and (lam tasma'i) "لَمْ تَسْمَعِ" means does not hear.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the importance of actively listening and responding to the call of guidance. He is highlighting the significance of being attentive and receptive to the message of Islam. Just as a deaf person cannot hear the sounds around them, an individual who does not heed the call of guidance is spiritually deaf.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of listening and responding to the call of guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (Quran 2:170)

And when it is said to them, 'Follow what Allah has revealed,' they say, 'Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.' Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?

This verse highlights the tendency of some individuals to blindly follow the traditions and practices of their forefathers without seeking guidance from the Quran. It emphasizes the need to actively listen to the call of guidance and not be swayed by cultural or societal norms that may contradict the teachings of Islam.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith is found in Surah Al-A'raf: (Quran 18:57)

And who is more unjust than one who is reminded of the verses of his Lord but turns away from them and forgets what his hands have put forth? Indeed, We have placed over their hearts coverings, lest they understand it, and in their ears deafness. If you invite them to guidance - they will never be guided, then - ever.

This verse highlights the consequences of turning away from the reminders and signs of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It describes the spiritual deafness that results from neglecting the call to guidance. Such individuals become incapable of recognizing and accepting the truth, even when it is presented to them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to actively listen and respond to the call of guidance. It urges us to be attentive to the teachings of Islam and to seek knowledge and understanding. By doing so, we can avoid the spiritual deafness that prevents us from recognizing and accepting the truth.

Furthermore, this hadith also highlights the responsibility of Muslims to convey the message of Islam to others. Just as it is important for individuals to listen to the call of guidance, it is equally important for Muslims to actively invite others towards the path of righteousness. By doing so, we can fulfill our duty as ambassadors of Islam and contribute to the spread of guidance.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith reminds us of the importance of actively listening and responding to the call of guidance. It urges us to be attentive to the teachings of Islam and to seek knowledge and understanding. By doing so, we can avoid the spiritual deafness that prevents us from recognizing and accepting the truth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to hear and respond to the call of guidance and guide us on the straight path.