Hadith #8615

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and following the example of scholars. Let us delve into the exegesis of this wise utterance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (when you are high) "عَلَوْتَ", (the ignorant ones) "جُهّالِ", and (the scholars) "عُلَماءِ". "عَلَوْتَ" refers to a state of superiority, whether it is in terms of knowledge, status, or any other aspect. "جُهّالِ" refers to the ignorant individuals who lack knowledge and understanding. "عُلَماءِ" refers to the scholars who possess deep knowledge and understanding.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and following the guidance of the learned individuals. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9),

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

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who are ignorant. It emphasizes the superiority of the knowledgeable ones and encourages seeking knowledge.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, when you are told, 'Space yourselves' in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space 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 and their gradual elevation in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement urges us not to pay attention to the ignorant individuals who are below us in terms of knowledge or understanding. Instead, we should look up to and follow the example of the scholars who are above us. By doing so, we can continue to grow in knowledge and understanding, and strive for excellence in our own lives.

The motivation behind this teaching is to encourage Muslims to seek knowledge and learn from those who are more knowledgeable. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood the importance of following the guidance of scholars. He recognized that true success lies in acquiring knowledge and applying it in our lives.

The consequences of following this teaching are manifold. By seeking knowledge and following the example of scholars, we can avoid falling into ignorance and misguidance. We can gain a deeper understanding of our faith and its principles, and apply them in our daily lives. Moreover, by learning from scholars, we can become a source of guidance and inspiration for others, thus contributing to the betterment of society as a whole.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of seeking knowledge and continuously striving for self-improvement. We should not be content with our current level of understanding, but rather aspire to reach higher levels of knowledge and wisdom. By following the example of scholars, we can ensure that our actions and decisions are guided by sound knowledge and understanding.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of seeking knowledge and following the example of scholars. It urges us to disregard the ignorant ones and instead look up to those who possess deep knowledge and understanding. By doing so, we can continue to grow in knowledge and strive for excellence in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge and follow the path of the scholars.