Hadith #11385

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, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises the Muslims to avoid the influence of their ignorant people and to refrain from following their own vain desires. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that those who succumb to ignorance and desires are like someone who alights at a stop that is on the brink of a collapsing bank.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (jihalatikum) "جُهّالِكُمْ" refers to the ignorant people or ignorance itself. It encompasses those who lack knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. The word (ahwa'ikum) "أهْوائِكُمْ" refers to vain desires or whims. These are the base desires that lead individuals away from the path of righteousness.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises the Muslims not to incline towards their ignorant people or their ignorance. This means that they should not seek guidance or follow the opinions of those who lack knowledge and understanding. Instead, they should seek knowledge from reliable and knowledgeable sources. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge in the Quran in Surah Al-Zumar, verse 9:

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

Furthermore, the Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against following one's vain desires. Vain desires are the temptations of the worldly life that lead individuals astray from the path of righteousness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) cautions against following one's desires in the Quran in Surah Al-Najm, verse 32:

Then leave Me with the one I have created alone, and to whom I granted extensive wealth and sons present [with him], and spread [everything] before him, easing [his life]. Then he desires that I should add more.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares those who incline towards ignorance and follow their vain desires to someone who alights at a stop that is on the brink of a collapsing bank. This analogy highlights the dangerous consequences of succumbing to ignorance and desires. Just as a collapsing bank can lead to destruction and ruin, following ignorance and desires can lead to spiritual, moral, and worldly downfall.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we understand the importance of seeking knowledge and guidance from reliable sources. We should not blindly follow the opinions of those who lack knowledge and understanding. Instead, we should turn to the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) for guidance. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the dangers of ignorance and the temptations of our desires.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and the strength to overcome our vain desires. May He protect us from the influence of ignorance and guide us on the path of righteousness. Ameen.