Hadith #7546

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of knowledge and communication. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to strive to be either a knowledgeable speaker or a keen listener, and to avoid being the third type. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (knowledgeable) "عالِماً" in the Hadith refers to someone who possesses knowledge and understanding. Knowledge is highly regarded in Islam, as it is a means to gain closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to fulfill our purpose in life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9),

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who do not.

The word (speaker) "ناطِقاً" in the Hadith refers to someone who conveys their knowledge effectively through speech. Islam encourages Muslims to share their knowledge with others in a clear and articulate manner. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269),

He grants wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been granted wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

This verse highlights the importance of conveying knowledge to benefit others and to fulfill our duty as Muslims.

The word (listener) "مُسْتَمِعاً" in the Hadith refers to someone who actively listens and pays attention to the knowledge being shared. Islam emphasizes the importance of being a keen listener, as it allows one to gain knowledge and benefit from the wisdom of others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:179),

And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse highlights the importance of actively listening and understanding, as those who do not listen are likened to livestock who are astray.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against being the "third type" mentioned in the Hadith. This refers to someone who neither possesses knowledge nor actively listens to it. Such individuals miss out on the opportunity to gain knowledge and benefit from it. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11),

O you who have believed, when you are told, 'Space yourselves' in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you. And when you are told, 'Arise,' then arise; Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse highlights the importance of being among those who possess knowledge and actively seek it, as they are elevated by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to strive for knowledge and effective communication. It emphasizes the importance of being either a knowledgeable speaker or a keen listener, as both roles contribute to the growth and development of individuals and the community. By actively seeking knowledge and sharing it with others, we fulfill our duty as Muslims and strive to become closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to acquire knowledge and convey it in the best manner.