Hadith #7407

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 its practical application. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith.

The word (zakat) "زَكَاةُ" in this Hadith refers to the obligatory charity that Muslims are required to give. Here, it symbolizes the duty of sharing knowledge with those who are deserving of it. The word (ilm) "عِلْمِ" means knowledge, which encompasses religious, spiritual, and worldly knowledge.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the (granting) "بَذْلُهُ" of knowledge to those who deserve it is like giving zakat. Just as zakat purifies one's wealth, sharing knowledge purifies the soul and benefits society as a whole. This highlights the importance of imparting knowledge to those who seek it sincerely and are deserving of it.

The phrase (exerting the self) "إجْهَادُ النَّفْسِ" refers to the effort and struggle required to act upon the knowledge one possesses. It signifies the importance of implementing knowledge in our daily lives and striving to live in accordance with its teachings. Merely acquiring knowledge is not enough; it is the practical application of knowledge that brings about positive change and spiritual growth.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269):

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom, indeed he is given a great good.

This verse emphasizes that true wisdom and knowledge are bestowed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as a divine gift. It is a blessing that should be cherished and shared with others. By granting knowledge to those who are deserving, we fulfill our duty of giving the zakat of knowledge.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:79), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

It is not for a human [prophet] that Allah should give him the Scripture and authority and prophethood and then he would say to the people, 'Be servants to me rather than Allah,' but [instead, he would say], 'Be pious scholars of the Lord because of what you have taught of the Scripture and because of what you have studied.'

This verse highlights the responsibility of those who possess knowledge. They are not to use it for personal gain or to assert authority over others, but rather to guide people towards piety and righteousness. It is through the practical application of knowledge that one truly becomes a servant of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek knowledge, share it with those who are deserving, and strive to implement it in their lives. By doing so, we fulfill our duty of giving the zakat of knowledge and contribute to the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge with those who deserve it and exerting effort to act upon it. It reminds us that knowledge is a divine gift that should be cherished and utilized for the betterment of ourselves and others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge, share it with sincerity, and implement it in our lives.