Hadith #6756

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inner state of a person who possesses true knowledge and awareness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes such an individual as having a cheerful and smiling face, while their heart is filled with fear and sadness.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of the important words used in this Hadith. The word (cognizant one) "عارِفُ" refers to a person who possesses deep knowledge and understanding. This knowledge is not merely intellectual, but also spiritual and intuitive. The cognizant one is aware of the reality of this world and the hereafter, and their actions are guided by this profound understanding.

The word (his face) "وَجْهُهُ" signifies the external manifestation of one's inner state. A cheerful and smiling face reflects a sense of contentment, tranquility, and joy. It is a reflection of the peace and serenity that resides within the heart of the cognizant one.

On the other hand, the word (his heart) "قَلْبُهُ" represents the core of one's being, where emotions, intentions, and beliefs reside. The heart of the cognizant one is described as being filled with fear and sadness. This does not imply a state of despair or hopelessness, but rather a deep sense of awe and humility in the face of the Divine.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Mulk (67:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

It is He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.

This verse reminds us that this worldly life is a test, and the cognizant one understands the gravity of this test. They are aware of the consequences of their actions and the accountability they will face in the hereafter. This awareness instills a sense of fear and sadness in their heart, as they constantly strive to improve themselves and seek forgiveness for their shortcomings.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The believers are only those whose hearts tremble with fear when Allah is mentioned, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely.

This verse emphasizes the importance of having a heart that is filled with awe and fear of Allah. The cognizant one, being deeply aware of the greatness and majesty of Allah, experiences this fear in their heart. This fear is not born out of a sense of punishment, but rather out of reverence and love for the Creator.

The combination of a cheerful and smiling face with a fearful and sad heart in the cognizant one is a reflection of their balanced and sincere approach to life. They maintain a positive outward demeanor while remaining humble and cautious in their inner state. This balance is crucial in navigating the challenges of this world and striving for spiritual growth.

The motivation behind the cognizant one's behavior is rooted in their deep understanding of the consequences of their actions. They are motivated by the desire to please Allah and attain His pleasure. Their awareness of the transient nature of this world and the eternal nature of the hereafter drives them to prioritize their actions and strive for righteousness.

The consequences of embodying the qualities described in this Hadith are profound. The cognizant one becomes a source of inspiration and guidance for others. Their cheerful and smiling face brings comfort and joy to those around them, while their fear and sadness serve as a reminder of the importance of spiritual growth and accountability.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of true knowledge and awareness. It reminds us that true knowledge is not merely intellectual, but also spiritual and intuitive. The cognizant one maintains a cheerful and smiling face while their heart is filled with fear and sadness, reflecting their balanced and sincere approach to life. May we strive to embody these qualities and seek knowledge that brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).