Hadith #6747

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) warns against relying solely on personal opinion and analogy in attempting to understand Allah. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that such reliance leads to misguidance and confusion. To fully comprehend the profound wisdom behind this statement, let us delve into the important words used in the Hadith.

The word (i'tamada) "اعْتَمَدَ" means to rely or depend on something. In this context, it refers to relying on personal opinion and analogy as a means of understanding Allah. (ar-ra'i) "الرَّأْيِ" translates to personal opinion, while (al-qiyas) "القِيَاسِ" refers to analogy or reasoning by comparison.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions that relying solely on personal opinion and analogy in matters related to Allah's knowledge leads one astray. This is because human intellect and reasoning are limited, and they cannot fully comprehend the depth and magnitude of Allah's wisdom and knowledge. Allah's knowledge is infinite and beyond human comprehension, as mentioned in the Quran:

(Quran 72:26-27)

He is the Knower of the unseen, and He does not disclose His [knowledge of the] unseen to anyone except whom He has approved of messengers, and indeed, He sends before each messenger and behind him observers.

Allah's knowledge encompasses everything, including the past, present, and future. Therefore, relying on personal opinion and analogy alone to understand Allah's knowledge is futile and leads to confusion. The word (tasha'abbat) "تَشَعَّبَتْ" used in the Hadith means that matters become complex and intricate for those who rely on personal opinion and analogy.

Allah, in the Quran, emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge from authentic sources and relying on divine guidance rather than personal opinion:

(Quran 16:43)

So ask the people of the message if you do not know.

(Quran 24:34)

And We have certainly sent down to you distinct verses and examples from those who passed on before you and an admonition for those who fear Allah.

These verses highlight the significance of seeking knowledge from the people of knowledge and relying on the guidance provided by Allah through His messengers and their successors. Personal opinion and analogy should be used as tools to understand and interpret the divine teachings, but they should not be the sole basis for acquiring knowledge about Allah.

The consequences of relying solely on personal opinion and analogy in matters of faith can be detrimental. It can lead to the distortion of religious teachings, the creation of false beliefs, and the division among Muslims. It is essential to approach the understanding of Allah's knowledge with humility, recognizing the limitations of human intellect and seeking guidance from authentic sources.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, warns us against the dangers of relying solely on personal opinion and analogy. His statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek knowledge from authentic sources, such as the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of misguidance and confusion and attain a deeper understanding of Allah's infinite wisdom and knowledge.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in seeking knowledge and grant us the ability to comprehend His divine wisdom.