Hadith #7624

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

اِعْمَلْ بِالعِلْمِ تُدْرِكْ غُنْماً۔

This can be translated as,

Act upon [your] knowledge and you will attain [great] benefit.

This amazing Hadith emphasizes the importance of not only acquiring knowledge but also putting it into practice.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith. The word (knowledge) "عِلْمِ" refers to the understanding and awareness of facts, information, and principles. It encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. The word (act upon) "اِعْمَلْ" signifies the implementation and application of knowledge in one's actions and behavior. It implies that knowledge should not remain theoretical or confined to the mind, but should be translated into practical deeds.

The word (attain) "تُدْرِكْ" means to reach, achieve, or obtain something. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the benefits and rewards that one can attain by acting upon their knowledge. Lastly, the word (benefit) "غُنْماً" denotes profit, gain, or advantage. It signifies the positive outcomes and blessings that result from putting knowledge into action.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of knowledge and its practical application. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah says,

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 do not. It emphasizes that knowledge is not merely about acquiring information, but about understanding and implementing it in one's life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), Allah says,

He grants wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been granted wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

This verse highlights the immense value and virtue of wisdom, which is the practical application of knowledge. It emphasizes that true understanding and remembrance come from acting upon knowledge.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to not only seek knowledge but also to actively apply it in their lives. Knowledge without action is like a tree without fruits; it may appear beautiful, but it lacks substance and benefit. By acting upon our knowledge, we can reap the rewards and blessings that Allah has promised.

When we act upon our knowledge, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the betterment of society. Our actions become a means of spreading goodness, justice, and compassion. For example, if we possess knowledge about the importance of charity, we can actively engage in acts of giving and help alleviate the suffering of those in need. Similarly, if we have knowledge about the significance of honesty, we can apply it in our dealings and contribute to a more trustworthy and just society.

On a personal level, acting upon knowledge brings about a sense of fulfillment and spiritual growth. It strengthens our connection with Allah and deepens our understanding of His guidance. When we implement the teachings of Islam in our daily lives, we become closer to attaining the ultimate goal of pleasing Allah and seeking His pleasure.

Conversely, neglecting to act upon our knowledge can have detrimental consequences. It can lead to hypocrisy, stagnation, and a disconnect between our beliefs and actions. The Quran warns against this in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:2), where Allah says,

O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do?

This verse serves as a reminder that true faith is reflected in our actions, and mere words or knowledge without implementation hold little value.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to not only acquire knowledge but also to actively apply it in their lives. It emphasizes that true benefit and success lie in the practical implementation of knowledge. By acting upon our knowledge, we can attain both worldly and spiritual benefits, contribute to the betterment of society, and strengthen our relationship with Allah. May Allah grant us the wisdom and guidance to act upon the knowledge we acquire and may He bless us with the benefits and rewards promised to those who strive to implement His teachings.