Hadith #6726

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Cognizance is perplexity and being devoid of it is dim-sightedness.

This amazing Hadith highlights the importance of knowledge and awareness in the life of a Muslim. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word "ma'rifah" in Arabic refers to knowledge, understanding, and awareness. It encompasses both intellectual and spiritual knowledge. The word "dahash" means perplexity or confusion, while "ghatash" means dim-sightedness or blindness. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that true knowledge brings clarity and enlightenment, while ignorance leads to confusion and spiritual blindness.

The Quranic verses support this concept of knowledge and its consequences. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:22),

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.

This verse highlights the importance of using one's intellect and seeking knowledge. Those who neglect knowledge are likened to being deaf and dumb, lacking the ability to understand and comprehend the truth.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information and seeking knowledge before passing judgment or taking action. Ignorance can lead to harmful consequences and regrettable actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims. Cognizance, or true knowledge, enlightens our minds and hearts, guiding us towards the path of righteousness. It allows us to make informed decisions, understand the complexities of life, and navigate through the challenges we face.

On the other hand, being devoid of knowledge leads to confusion and spiritual blindness. It hinders our ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. Without knowledge, we are susceptible to falling into ignorance, misunderstanding, and making uninformed choices.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to seek knowledge in all its forms, whether it be religious, intellectual, or practical. By doing so, we can develop a deep understanding of our faith, the world around us, and ourselves. Knowledge empowers us to fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims, make positive contributions to society, and strive for personal growth and improvement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of knowledge and awareness in the life of a Muslim. True knowledge brings clarity and enlightenment, while ignorance leads to confusion and spiritual blindness. Let us strive to seek knowledge, reflect upon its teachings, and apply it in our lives, so that we may attain true cognizance and avoid the pitfalls of ignorance. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge and benefit from it, and may He guide us on the path of righteousness.