Hadith #8940

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,

Do not look at who has spoken, look at what he has said.

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of focusing on the content and message of a person's words rather than being influenced by their identity or status.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith. The word (nazhar) "نَظَرْ" means to look or consider, while (man) "مَنْ" refers to the person who has spoken. The word (qala) "قَالَ" means to say or speak, and (ma) "مَا" refers to what has been said.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of judging based on the content of one's words rather than their outward appearance or social status. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (49:6)

O you who have believed, if a wicked person comes to you with information, investigate it, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful

This verse encourages Muslims to critically analyze the information presented to them, regardless of who is delivering it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (17:36)

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 making judgments. It urges us to use our faculties of hearing, sight, and intellect to discern the truth.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. It encourages Muslims to focus on the substance of a person's words rather than being swayed by their reputation or social standing. By doing so, we can avoid falling into the trap of blindly accepting or rejecting ideas based solely on who has presented them.

This Hadith has profound implications in various aspects of our lives. In the realm of religious knowledge, it reminds us to critically examine the teachings of scholars and speakers, regardless of their fame or popularity. We should evaluate their statements based on their alignment with the Quran and authentic Hadiths, rather than blindly following them.

In the realm of social interactions, this Hadith teaches us not to judge individuals based on their background, ethnicity, or social status. Instead, we should focus on the content of their character and the substance of their words. By doing so, we can foster unity, understanding, and cooperation among Muslims.

Moreover, this Hadith also serves as a reminder for individuals in positions of authority or leadership. It encourages them to prioritize the content and impact of their words over their own personal image or reputation. Leaders should strive to deliver messages that are truthful, just, and beneficial for the community, rather than being driven by personal interests or desires.

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

Do not look at who has spoken, look at what he has said

emphasizes the importance of judging based on the content and message of a person's words rather than their identity or status. This teaching aligns with the Quranic emphasis on seeking knowledge, critically analyzing information, and avoiding judgment based on superficial factors. By adhering to this guidance, Muslims can foster a society that values truth, justice, and intellectual integrity.