Hadith #2600

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاسُنَّةَ أفْضَلُ مِنَ التَّحْقِيقِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of verification and highlights its superiority over any other practice. To understand the depth and significance of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word "لاسُنَّةَ" refers to a practice or a way of doing something. It encompasses the actions, rituals, and traditions that individuals follow in their daily lives. The word "أفْضَلُ" means better or superior, indicating that the practice of verification holds a higher rank and is more virtuous than any other practice. Lastly, "التَّحْقِيقِ" refers to the act of verifying, confirming, or investigating the truthfulness and authenticity of something.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, verifying information, and distinguishing between truth and falsehood.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah says,

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 necessity of verifying information before acting upon it. It warns against blindly accepting and spreading rumors or false news, as it can lead to harming others and regretting our actions.

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

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 emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and verifying facts before forming opinions or making judgments. It encourages Muslims to be cautious and mindful of the consequences of acting without proper understanding.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes these Quranic teachings by highlighting the superiority of verification. It reminds Muslims that blindly following practices without seeking the truth can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and even harmful consequences. By emphasizing the practice of verification, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to be critical thinkers, to seek knowledge, and to question the validity of information before accepting it as truth.

The act of verification holds immense significance in various aspects of our lives. In matters of faith, it is crucial to verify the authenticity of religious teachings, ensuring that they align with the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By doing so, we protect ourselves from falling into misconceptions and deviating from the true path of Islam.

In our interactions with others, verification plays a vital role in maintaining justice and fairness. It prevents us from hastily judging others based on hearsay or assumptions, and encourages us to seek the truth before passing judgment. This practice fosters harmony, understanding, and unity within the Muslim community and society at large.

Moreover, in the age of information overload and the rapid spread of news through various media platforms, the practice of verification becomes even more crucial. It is our responsibility as Muslims to verify the accuracy of the information we encounter, to avoid spreading false news, and to uphold the principles of honesty and integrity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of verification as a superior practice. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, urging Muslims to seek knowledge, question assumptions, and verify the truthfulness of information before accepting it. By practicing verification, we safeguard ourselves from falsehood, misunderstandings, and harmful consequences. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to always seek the truth and verify before accepting.