Hadith #7571

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of humility in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. Let us delve into the meaning of this enlightening saying and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The first word we encounter in this Hadith is (tawaḍaʿū) "تَواضَعُوا", which means "be humble." Humility is a fundamental virtue in Islam, as it reflects a person's recognition of their own limitations and their acknowledgment of the greatness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a quality that should be cultivated in all aspects of life, including the pursuit and acquisition of knowledge.

The next important word in this Hadith is (jabābirah) "جَبابِرَةِ", which refers to the haughty or arrogant scholars. This term warns against the dangers of arrogance and pride in the realm of knowledge. Arrogance blinds individuals to their own shortcomings and prevents them from truly benefiting from the knowledge they possess. It also hinders their ability to effectively impart knowledge to others.

To understand the significance of humility in seeking knowledge, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56),

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that true guidance comes from Allah alone. No matter how much knowledge we acquire, it is ultimately Allah who grants guidance and understanding.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:5), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not take it on is like that of a donkey who carries volumes [of books]. Wretched is the example of the people who deny the signs of Allah. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

This verse serves as a reminder that knowledge without humility can lead to arrogance and a rejection of the signs of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to be humble both in our role as learners and as teachers. When we seek knowledge, we should approach our teachers with humility, recognizing their expertise and wisdom. This humility allows us to truly benefit from their knowledge and facilitates a healthy learning environment.

Similarly, when we become teachers ourselves, we should remember to remain humble and approachable. We should not let our knowledge inflate our egos or make us look down upon others. Instead, we should strive to impart knowledge with kindness, patience, and humility, ensuring that our students feel comfortable and motivated to learn.

The consequences of disregarding this advice are dire. If we allow arrogance to accompany our knowledge, our ignorance will overshadow our understanding. We may become blinded by our own self-perceived superiority, preventing us from recognizing our own limitations and hindering our growth as scholars and individuals.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of humility in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. It warns against the dangers of arrogance and emphasizes the need to approach learning and teaching with humility and an open heart. By embodying this virtue, we can truly benefit from the knowledge we acquire and positively impact those around us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge with humility and to share it with sincerity and compassion.