Hadith #7585

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The one who does not know must never be too proud to learn.

This beautiful saying emphasizes the importance of humility and the pursuit of knowledge. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its significance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (must never be too proud) "يَسْتَنْكِفَنَّ" and (to learn) "يَتَعَلَّمَ". The word "يَسْتَنْكِفَنَّ" is derived from the root word "استكفى" which means to be arrogant or proud. It implies that one should never let their lack of knowledge lead them to arrogance or a sense of superiority. On the other hand, "يَتَعَلَّمَ" comes from the root word "علم" which means knowledge. It signifies the act of seeking knowledge and being open to learning.

The Quran beautifully emphasizes the importance of humility and seeking knowledge in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 20:114)

And say, 'My Lord, increase me in knowledge.'

This verse highlights the Prophet Musa's (Moses) supplication to Allah, acknowledging his need for further knowledge. It serves as a reminder for all Muslims to continuously seek knowledge and never be complacent.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (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 encourages Muslims to verify the information they receive and not act out of ignorance. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge to avoid causing harm or regret.

The exegesis of this Hadith highlights the significance of humility and the pursuit of knowledge. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that no matter how much knowledge one possesses, there is always more to learn. Arrogance and pride hinder the growth of knowledge and prevent individuals from benefiting from the wisdom of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a motivation for Muslims to continuously seek knowledge and remain humble in the process. It encourages us to approach learning with an open mind and a willingness to accept new ideas and perspectives. By doing so, we can expand our understanding, enhance our character, and contribute positively to society.

The consequences of disregarding this advice are detrimental. Arrogance and pride blind individuals to their own shortcomings and limit their ability to grow intellectually and spiritually. They create barriers between people, preventing the exchange of knowledge and hindering the progress of society as a whole.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of being lifelong learners. We should never let our egos get in the way of acquiring knowledge. Whether it is through formal education, reading books, attending lectures, or engaging in meaningful conversations, we should actively seek opportunities to expand our knowledge and understanding.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the value of humility and the pursuit of knowledge. It urges us to never be too proud to learn, emphasizing that true knowledge comes from recognizing our own limitations and being open to acquiring new knowledge. By embodying these principles, we can strive to become better individuals and contribute positively to our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the humility and wisdom to continuously seek knowledge and benefit from it.