pauseplay_arrow

إذا رُمْتُمْ الاِنْتِفاعَ بِالْعِلْمِ فَاعْمَلُوا بِهِ، وأكْثِرُوا الفِكْرَ في مَعانيهِ، تَعِهِ القُلُوبُ۔

When you want to benefit from knowledge then act upon it and increase in your contemplation about its meanings, [for through this] it will be retained by the hearts.

Audio

Photo

Save
When you want to benefit from knowledge then act upon it and increase in...

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Knowledge)

Personal Reflection

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 (), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of not only acquiring knowledge but also implementing it in our lives. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to not only seek knowledge but also to contemplate deeply upon its meanings, as this will help us internalize it and allow it to be firmly rooted in our hearts.

Let us delve into the important words and phrases used in this Hadith. The word (intifa) "انتفاع" refers to benefiting or profiting from something. In this context, it signifies the act of gaining benefits from knowledge. The word (ilm) "عِلْمِ" means knowledge, which encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. (fa'amaloo) "فَاعْمَلُوا" means to act or practice, indicating the need for practical application of knowledge. (al-fikr) "الفِكْرَ" refers to contemplation or deep thinking, which is essential for understanding the true meanings of knowledge. (ma'anihi) "مَعانيهِ" means its meanings, referring to the profound insights and wisdom contained within knowledge. Lastly, (ta'ih) "تَعِهِ" means to retain or preserve, signifying the importance of internalizing knowledge in our hearts.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of knowledge and its practical application in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah says,

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 distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. It emphasizes that true understanding and remembrance can only be attained through knowledge.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:190-191), Allah says,

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], 'Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

These verses highlight the importance of contemplation and reflection upon the signs of Allah's creation. It encourages us to ponder over the wonders of the universe and recognize the purpose behind our existence.

The practical implementation of knowledge is also emphasized in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), where Allah says,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

These verses remind us that true success lies in combining faith with righteous actions and encouraging one another towards truth and patience. This highlights the importance of not only acquiring knowledge but also acting upon it and advising others to do the same.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a practical guide for Muslims. It reminds us that knowledge is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a transformative force that should shape our actions and attitudes. By acting upon knowledge, we can bring about positive change in ourselves and society. Moreover, deep contemplation and reflection upon the meanings of knowledge enable us to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of its wisdom.

The consequences of implementing this Hadith are profound. When we act upon knowledge, we become individuals who not only possess knowledge but also embody its teachings. Our actions become a reflection of our beliefs, and we become a source of guidance and inspiration for others. Moreover, when we contemplate deeply upon the meanings of knowledge, our hearts become receptive to its wisdom, and it becomes firmly ingrained within us. This leads to a transformation of character, as our thoughts, intentions, and actions align with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of not only acquiring knowledge but also implementing it in our lives. It encourages us to act upon knowledge and contemplate deeply upon its meanings. By doing so, we can internalize knowledge and allow it to shape our thoughts, intentions, and actions. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the importance of knowledge and its practical application. As Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to seek knowledge, act upon it, and reflect upon its profound meanings in order to truly benefit from it. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to acquire knowledge, act upon it, and be guided by its wisdom.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

Join our community to daily receive one short Hadith of Imam Ali a.s on your device.