Hadith #7454

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and the virtues it brings. Let us delve into the exegesis of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with the phrase

مَنِ ارْتَوَى مِنْ مَشْرَبِ الْعِلْمِ

which can be translated as

One who quenches his thirst from the drinking-fountain of knowledge.

Here, the word (irtawa) "ارْتَوَى" signifies the act of satisfying one's thirst, both physically and metaphorically. In this context, it refers to the spiritual thirst for knowledge and wisdom. The word (mashrab) "مَشْرَبِ" means a drinking-fountain or a source of water. Hence, the phrase highlights the significance of seeking knowledge as a means to satisfy our intellectual and spiritual thirst.

To further understand the importance of seeking knowledge, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11),

Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.

This verse emphasizes that knowledge is a means of elevation and honor in the sight of Allah. It is through knowledge that individuals are raised in rank and granted success in this world and the hereafter.

Additionally, in Surah Az-Zumar (39:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This rhetorical question highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who are ignorant. It emphasizes the distinction and the elevated status of those who seek knowledge and strive to understand the world around them.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states, "تَجَلْبَبَ جِلْبَابَ الحِلْمِ" which can be translated as

covers himself with the gown of forbearance.

The word (tajalbab) "تَجَلْبَبَ" refers to the act of covering oneself with a garment. In this context, it symbolizes the acquisition of forbearance or patience as a result of seeking knowledge.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises those who possess the quality of forbearance. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah says,

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of patience and forbearance in dealing with difficulties and challenges. It is through knowledge and understanding that individuals develop the ability to control their anger, forgive others, and exhibit patience in the face of adversity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that seeking knowledge not only quenches our thirst for understanding but also adorns us with the garment of forbearance. When we acquire knowledge, we gain a deeper understanding of the world and the people around us. This understanding enables us to be patient and tolerant in our interactions with others, even in challenging situations.

The consequences of seeking knowledge and embodying forbearance are far-reaching. It leads to personal growth, intellectual development, and the ability to navigate through the complexities of life with wisdom and grace. It allows us to be compassionate, empathetic, and understanding towards others, fostering harmonious relationships within our communities.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of continuously seeking knowledge and striving to embody the qualities of forbearance and patience. As Muslims, it is our duty to seek knowledge, not only to benefit ourselves but also to contribute positively to society. By doing so, we can quench our thirst for knowledge and cover ourselves with the gown of forbearance, following in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and fulfilling our purpose as believers.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge with sincerity and humility, and may He bless us with the virtues of forbearance and patience.