Hadith #7520

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the stark difference between a scholar and an ignorant person. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the scholar perceives the truth not only with his physical eyes but also with the depth of his heart and mind. On the other hand, the ignorant person merely relies on his superficial vision and limited understanding.

Let us delve deeper into the important words used in this Hadith. The word (alim) "عالم" refers to a knowledgeable person, someone who possesses deep understanding and wisdom. The term (jahil) "جاهل" denotes an ignorant person, someone lacking knowledge and understanding.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the scholar looks at the world and its realities through the lens of his heart and mind. This means that the scholar not only relies on his physical sight but also utilizes his intellect and spiritual insight to comprehend the deeper meanings and implications of what he observes. The heart represents the seat of wisdom and understanding, while the mind represents the faculty of reasoning and analysis.

To further illuminate the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 22:46)

Do they not travel through the land, so that their hearts (and minds) may thus learn wisdom and their ears may thus learn to hear?

This verse highlights the importance of using both the heart and the mind in acquiring knowledge and understanding.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hajj, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 22:46)

It is not the eyes that are blind, but the hearts which are in the chests.

This verse emphasizes that true blindness lies in the hearts, not in the physical eyes. It is the lack of spiritual insight and understanding that renders a person ignorant, regardless of their physical vision.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further contrasts the scholar with the ignorant person by stating that the latter only relies on his physical eyes and superficial vision. The ignorant person lacks the ability to perceive the deeper meanings and implications of what he sees. He is unable to grasp the underlying wisdom and lessons that lie beyond the surface.

To illustrate this point, let us turn to Surah Al-An'am, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 30:9)

Have they not traveled through the earth and observed how was the end of those before them? They were greater than them in power, and they plowed the earth and built it up more than they have built it up, and their messengers came to them with clear evidences. And Allah would not ever have wronged them, but they were wronging themselves.

This verse highlights the importance of reflecting upon the past and learning from the experiences of those who came before us. The ignorant person, however, fails to recognize the lessons embedded in history and remains trapped in his limited perspective.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek knowledge and understanding with sincerity and humility. It encourages us to go beyond the superficial and to strive for a deeper comprehension of the world around us. By utilizing our hearts and minds, we can gain true insight and wisdom, enabling us to navigate through life with clarity and purpose.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of acquiring knowledge and understanding not only through our physical senses but also through the faculties of our hearts and minds. It highlights the stark contrast between a scholar, who perceives the truth with depth and insight, and an ignorant person, who remains confined to superficial vision. By reflecting upon the Quranic verses provided, we can further appreciate the significance of this Hadith and strive to become true seekers of knowledge and understanding. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to see with our hearts and minds, and may He guide us on the path of wisdom and enlightenment.