Hadith #7318

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) emphasizes the importance of acquiring knowledge, regardless of one's financial status. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The Arabic word (Iqtan) "اِقْتَتِنِ" in this hadith means to acquire or seek knowledge. It signifies a deliberate and active pursuit of knowledge, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and intellectual growth. The word (al-'ilm) "العِلْمَ" refers to knowledge in general, encompassing both religious and worldly knowledge.

The first part of the hadith states,

if you are wealthy it will adorn you.

This implies that knowledge serves as an adornment for the wealthy, enhancing their character and elevating their status in society. Wealth, without knowledge, can lead to arrogance, wastefulness, and a lack of understanding of one's responsibilities. However, when combined with knowledge, wealth becomes a means of benefiting oneself and others, as it is used wisely and in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

The second part of the hadith states,

if you are poor it will provide for you.

This highlights the transformative power of knowledge for those who are economically disadvantaged. While poverty may limit material resources, knowledge empowers individuals to overcome their circumstances and improve their lives. Through knowledge, the poor can acquire skills, seek opportunities, and make informed decisions that lead to their upliftment and self-sufficiency.

The Quranic verses support the importance of knowledge and its impact on individuals, regardless of their financial status. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9),

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

This verse emphasizes the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who are ignorant. It highlights the superiority of knowledge and its ability to guide individuals towards righteousness and success.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom, indeed, he has been granted abundant good.

This verse emphasizes that wisdom and knowledge are gifts from Allah, and those who are bestowed with them are blessed with abundant goodness. It further reinforces the idea that knowledge is not limited to material wealth but encompasses a deeper understanding of the world and its Creator.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith encourages Muslims to seek knowledge regardless of their financial circumstances. It reminds us that knowledge is a valuable asset that enriches our lives, shapes our character, and enables us to contribute positively to society. Whether we are wealthy or poor, knowledge equips us with the tools to navigate the challenges of life, make informed decisions, and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

Moreover, the hadith highlights the importance of utilizing wealth in a responsible and beneficial manner. It reminds the wealthy that their resources should be used for the betterment of themselves and others, guided by the principles of Islam. By acquiring knowledge, the wealthy can avoid the pitfalls of materialism and use their wealth as a means of serving humanity and earning the pleasure of Allah.

Similarly, the hadith emphasizes that poverty should not be a barrier to seeking knowledge. It encourages the poor to recognize the transformative power of knowledge and to strive for self-improvement through education. By acquiring knowledge, the poor can break the cycle of poverty, uplift themselves, and contribute to the betterment of their communities.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of acquiring knowledge, regardless of their financial status. It emphasizes that knowledge is a means of adornment for the wealthy and a provider for the poor. By seeking knowledge, we can enhance our character, fulfill our responsibilities, and strive for success in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability and motivation to acquire knowledge and use it for the betterment of ourselves and humanity as a whole.