Hadith #10709

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,

Verily people are only either scholars or seekers of knowledge, all others are rabble.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us analyze the important words in this Hadith. The word (scholar) "عالِمٌ" refers to someone who possesses deep knowledge and understanding of religious matters. They are individuals who have dedicated their lives to studying and comprehending the teachings of Islam. The word (seeker of knowledge) "مُتَعَلِّمٌ" refers to those who are actively engaged in the pursuit of knowledge. They are individuals who are constantly seeking to increase their understanding and wisdom.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) categorizes all other individuals as (rabble) "فَهَمَجٌ". This term refers to those who lack knowledge and understanding, and are therefore considered to be ignorant. It is important to note that this categorization does not imply any form of derogation or belittlement, but rather serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking knowledge.

The Quran emphasizes the significance of knowledge and the distinction between the learned and the ignorant. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who are ignorant. It emphasizes that knowledge is a means of attaining closeness to Allah and understanding His guidance.

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

Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.

This verse highlights that those who possess knowledge are elevated in the sight of Allah. They are given higher ranks and are granted a greater understanding of the truth.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that knowledge is the key to distinguishing oneself from the masses. It encourages Muslims to strive for knowledge and understanding in order to attain a higher status in the eyes of Allah. By categorizing individuals as either scholars or seekers of knowledge, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of continuously seeking knowledge and never being complacent in one's understanding.

The consequences of this Hadith are far-reaching. It motivates Muslims to embark on a lifelong journey of seeking knowledge. It encourages them to engage in the study of Islamic sciences, to reflect upon the teachings of the Quran, and to seek guidance from the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. By doing so, Muslims can develop a deeper understanding of their faith, strengthen their relationship with Allah, and become beacons of knowledge and guidance for others.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that it is not enough to simply possess knowledge; one must also actively seek it. The pursuit of knowledge is a continuous process that requires dedication, humility, and a sincere desire to learn. It is through this pursuit that individuals can grow intellectually, spiritually, and morally.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the importance of knowledge in Islam. It categorizes individuals into scholars, seekers of knowledge, and the ignorant. It motivates Muslims to strive for knowledge, seek understanding, and continuously grow in their faith. By doing so, Muslims can fulfill their duty as true believers and contribute positively to their communities and society at large. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us all with knowledge and wisdom.