Hadith #7566

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the true essence of knowledge and the qualities that a true scholar should possess. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deeper meanings in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (‘alim) "عالِم", which means a scholar or a person of knowledge. A true scholar, according to Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), is not simply someone who possesses knowledge, but someone who embodies certain qualities. These qualities are described in the following statements:

1. (layahsuda man fawqahu) "لايَحْسُدَ مَنْ فَوْقَهُ" - A true scholar does not feel jealous of one who is above him in knowledge or status. This means that a scholar should not let envy or jealousy cloud his judgment or hinder his ability to appreciate and learn from others who may be more knowledgeable or accomplished than him.

The Quran supports this concept of avoiding jealousy and envy. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

2. (layahtaqira man doonahu) "ولايَحْتَقِرَ مَنْ دُونَهُ" - A true scholar does not demean or belittle those who are below him in knowledge or status. This means that a scholar should not look down upon others or treat them with arrogance or condescension. Instead, he should be humble and respectful towards everyone, regardless of their level of knowledge or social standing.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of humility and treating others with respect. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

3. (laya'khudhu 'ala 'ilmihi shay'an min huthamid-dunya)

ولايَأْخُذُ عَلى عِلْمِهِ شَيْئاًمِنْ حُطامِ الدُّنيا

- A true scholar does not seek worldly gains in return for his knowledge. This means that a scholar should not use his knowledge as a means to acquire wealth, fame, or any other material benefits. His pursuit of knowledge should be solely for the sake of Allah and the betterment of humanity.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge for the sake of Allah and not for worldly gains. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us through this Hadith that true knowledge is not merely about accumulating information, but it is about embodying certain virtues and qualities. A true scholar should be free from jealousy, arrogance, and the desire for worldly gains. Instead, he should be humble, respectful, and sincere in his pursuit of knowledge.

By adhering to these principles, a true scholar becomes a source of guidance and inspiration for others. His knowledge becomes a means of enlightenment and empowerment, leading to positive change in society. Moreover, such a scholar becomes a reflection of the teachings of the Quran and the noble example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for all Muslims, regardless of their sect, to strive for true knowledge and to embody the qualities of a true scholar. It reminds us that knowledge should be sought for the sake of Allah and should be used to benefit humanity, rather than to fulfill personal desires or ambitions. May Allah guide us all on the path of knowledge and wisdom, and may we strive to be true scholars who embody the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt.