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لاتُعادُوا ما تَجْهَلُونَ، فَإنَّ أكْثَرَ الْعِلْمِ فيما لاتَعْرِفُونَ۔

Do not make enmity with that which you are ignorant of, for indeed most of knowledge is in that which you don’t know.

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Do not make enmity with that which you are ignorant of, for indeed most of...

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Knowledge)

Personal Reflection

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 (), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us a profound lesson about the importance of not harboring enmity towards something that we are ignorant of. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the vast majority of knowledge lies in the realm of the unknown, and it is unwise to form judgments or animosity based on our limited understanding.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (tu'ādū) "تُعادُوا" means "to make enmity" or "to show hostility." It refers to the act of harboring ill feelings or animosity towards something or someone. The word (tajhalūna) "تَجْهَلُونَ" means

you are ignorant of

or

you do not know.

It highlights the lack of knowledge or understanding about a particular matter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to make enmity with something that we are ignorant of because the majority of knowledge lies in the realm of the unknown. This beautiful Hadith reminds us of the vastness and depth of knowledge that exists beyond our limited comprehension. It urges us to approach matters with humility and an open mind, recognizing that our understanding is limited and there is always more to learn.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-An'am, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 25:72)

And when they come across vain talk, they pass by with dignity

This verse encourages us to refrain from engaging in futile arguments or forming judgments based on incomplete or false information. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before making any conclusions.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises, (Quran 49:6)

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 highlights the importance of verifying information and seeking knowledge before taking any action. It cautions against causing harm or acting out of ignorance, as it may lead to regret.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to approach matters with an open mind and a willingness to seek knowledge. It urges us to refrain from forming judgments or harboring enmity based on our limited understanding. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings, and instead foster an environment of unity, peace, and mutual respect.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His teachings and guidance continue to inspire Muslims to this day. He exemplified the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding, and his words in this Hadith reflect his deep insight into the nature of knowledge and ignorance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of not making enmity with something that we are ignorant of. It urges us to approach matters with humility, seeking knowledge and understanding before forming judgments or harboring ill feelings. By doing so, we can foster an environment of unity, peace, and mutual respect among Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and the ability to act upon it in the best manner.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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