Hadith #606

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Everything in the Hereafter is greater when seen than when heard of, so be satisfied with what you hear [of it] without seeing [it] and what you learn of [it] without witnessing [it].

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the superiority of experiencing the Hereafter firsthand over merely hearing or learning about it.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by exploring the key words and their meanings. The word (seen) "عِيانُهُ" refers to the act of witnessing or experiencing something with one's own eyes. It signifies a direct encounter and personal observation. On the other hand, the word (heard of) "سَماعِهِ" refers to receiving information or knowledge about something through hearing or listening. It implies acquiring knowledge indirectly, without firsthand experience.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the reality and magnitude of the Hereafter are far greater when witnessed than when merely heard or learned about. This is because seeing something with our own eyes allows us to fully comprehend its essence, impact, and significance. It provides a deeper understanding and a more profound connection to the subject matter.

To support this exegesis, we find numerous verses in the Quran that emphasize the importance of direct experience and observation. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:103),

Vision perceives Him not, but He perceives [all] vision; and He is the Subtle, the Acquainted.

This verse highlights the limitation of human vision in comprehending the true nature of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is beyond human perception and can only be truly known through His divine knowledge and wisdom.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before forming opinions or pursuing matters. It emphasizes the significance of acquiring knowledge through reliable sources and avoiding baseless assumptions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be content with what they hear and learn about the Hereafter, even if they have not personally witnessed it. It encourages us to trust the teachings of Islam and the words of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) regarding the Hereafter, without seeking physical proof or direct experience.

This Hadith teaches us the importance of faith and trust in the unseen. It reminds us that our knowledge and understanding of the Hereafter should be based on the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). We should strive to strengthen our faith and seek knowledge through reliable sources, so that we may have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be satisfied with what they hear and learn about the Hereafter, without seeking physical proof or direct experience. It highlights the superiority of firsthand experience and observation over mere hearsay or acquired knowledge. By placing our trust in the teachings of Islam, we can deepen our faith and understanding of the Hereafter, even without witnessing it ourselves. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to comprehend the true essence of the Hereafter and strengthen our faith in Him.