Hadith #1904

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) states, "كَفى بِالجَهْلِ ضِعَةً۔" which translates to

Ignorance suffices as ignobility.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental nature of ignorance and its consequences.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (jahli) "جَهْلِ" refers to ignorance or lack of knowledge. It is derived from the root word (jahala) "جَهَلَ", which means to be unaware or uninformed. The word (di'atan) "ضِعَةً" translates to ignobility or lowliness. It signifies a state of being dishonorable or lacking in noble qualities.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and warns against the perils of ignorance in several verses.

In Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11), Allah says,

O you who have believed, when you are told, 'Make room in assemblies,' then make room; Allah will make room for you. And when you are told, 'Arise,' then arise; Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse highlights the elevated status of those who possess knowledge. It signifies that knowledge is a means of spiritual growth and elevation in the sight of Allah. Conversely, ignorance hinders our progress and keeps us in a state of lowliness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah says,

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 verse emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and verifying information before passing judgment or taking action. Ignorance can lead to harmful consequences, both for individuals and society as a whole. It is through knowledge and understanding that we can avoid making mistakes and causing regret.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for knowledge and understanding. Ignorance not only limits our potential but also tarnishes our character. It leads to misunderstandings, conflicts, and the perpetuation of falsehoods. By seeking knowledge, we can elevate ourselves intellectually, morally, and spiritually.

In practical terms, this Hadith encourages Muslims to engage in lifelong learning and to actively seek knowledge from authentic sources. It motivates us to question, explore, and critically analyze information. It also reminds us to be humble and open-minded, recognizing that there is always more to learn.

Moreover, this Hadith highlights the responsibility of Muslims to combat ignorance and promote education within their communities. By sharing knowledge and encouraging others to seek it, we can uplift society as a whole and contribute to the betterment of humanity.

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

Ignorance suffices as ignobility,

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to value knowledge and strive for continuous learning. It warns against the detrimental effects of ignorance and emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge from authentic sources. By embracing knowledge and understanding, we can elevate ourselves and contribute positively to our communities and the world at large. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to seek knowledge and overcome ignorance.