Hadith #3107

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

لا تُخْبِرْ بِما لَمْ تُحِطْ بِهِ عِلْماً۔

This can be translated as,

Do not relate that which you have no knowledge about.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of acquiring knowledge before speaking or spreading information.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their meanings. The word (tukhbir) "تُخْبِرْ" means to inform or relate, while (bima) "بِما" refers to that which or what. (lam tuhit) "لَمْ تُحِطْ" signifies not having encompassed or attained, and (bihi) "بِهِ" means with it. Finally, (ilm) "عِلْماً" refers to knowledge.

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and verifying information before accepting or spreading it. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6),

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This ayah highlights the responsibility of Muslims to verify the information they receive before acting upon it. It warns against blindly accepting and spreading rumors or unverified news, as it can lead to harm and regret. Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse emphasizes the importance of not pursuing or acting upon matters without proper knowledge. It reminds us that we will be held accountable for our actions, and it is essential to have a solid foundation of knowledge before making decisions or spreading information.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and responsible in their speech. It encourages us to seek knowledge, verify information, and refrain from spreading rumors or unverified claims. By doing so, we can avoid causing harm, confusion, or misunderstanding among our fellow Muslims.

Moreover, this Hadith highlights the importance of humility and recognizing the limits of our knowledge. It reminds us that it is better to admit our lack of knowledge rather than pretending to be knowledgeable about something we have not fully understood or studied. This humility allows us to continuously seek knowledge and grow in our understanding of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Do not relate that which you have no knowledge about

emphasizes the significance of seeking knowledge and verifying information before accepting or spreading it. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which urge Muslims to investigate, pursue knowledge, and act responsibly in their speech. By adhering to this guidance, we can promote unity, understanding, and wisdom among Muslims, and avoid the pitfalls of ignorance and misinformation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and the humility to admit our limitations.