Hadith #1917

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لايَزْكُو مََعَ الجَهْلِ مَذْهَبٌ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

With ignorance, no path is purified.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (layazku) "لايَزْكُو" in the Hadith means "is not purified" or

does not become pure.

It signifies the process of purification, cleansing, or refining. The word (ma'a) "مََعَ" means "with" or "alongside," indicating that ignorance is a companion or partner in this context. And the word (al-jahl) "الجَهْلِ" refers to ignorance or lack of knowledge.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of knowledge and condemns ignorance in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9),

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

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who are ignorant. It emphasizes that knowledge is a means of elevation and purification, while ignorance hinders progress and spiritual growth.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 advises Muslims to verify information and not act out of ignorance. It highlights the dangers of ignorance, which can lead to harm and regretful actions.

Now, let us reflect on the meaning of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

With ignorance, no path is purified.

This Hadith emphasizes the essential role of knowledge in purifying one's path and guiding them towards righteousness. Ignorance, on the other hand, hinders the purification of one's path and leads to deviation.

When a person lacks knowledge, they are susceptible to misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and misguidance. They may unknowingly engage in actions that are contrary to the teachings of Islam. Ignorance can cloud one's judgment, leading to harmful decisions and actions that have negative consequences.

On the contrary, knowledge enlightens the path of an individual, enabling them to make informed choices and follow the right path. It empowers Muslims to understand the teachings of Islam, distinguish between right and wrong, and navigate through the complexities of life. Knowledge purifies the path by guiding Muslims towards righteousness, justice, and compassion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was renowned for his immense knowledge and wisdom. He was known as the "Gate of Knowledge" due to his deep understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). His knowledge served as a guiding light for the Muslim ummah, illuminating the path of righteousness and justice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that ignorance is a hindrance to the purification of our path. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, understanding the teachings of Islam, and avoiding ignorance. By acquiring knowledge and applying it in our lives, we can purify our path and strive towards righteousness, ultimately seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to seek knowledge and purify our paths.