Hadith #7310

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Knowledge is better than wealth; knowledge guards you while you guard wealth.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the superiority of knowledge over material possessions and emphasizes the importance of acquiring knowledge.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by examining the key words and their meanings. The word (knowledge) "عِلْمُ" refers to the understanding, comprehension, and awareness of various subjects and concepts. It encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. The word (wealth) "مَالِ" refers to material possessions, such as money, property, and assets.

To support the significance of knowledge, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 58:11)

Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.

This verse highlights the elevated status of those who possess knowledge in the sight of Allah. It demonstrates that knowledge is a means of spiritual elevation and a source of honor for believers.

Furthermore, in Surah Az-Zumar, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 39:9)

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This rhetorical question emphasizes the superiority of knowledge over ignorance. It implies that those who possess knowledge have a distinct advantage over those who lack it.

Now, let us reflect on the second part of the Hadith, which states that

knowledge guards you while you guard wealth.

This statement highlights the protective nature of knowledge. When one possesses knowledge, they are equipped with the tools to safeguard themselves and their wealth. Knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions, avoid financial pitfalls, and protect their resources.

To further emphasize this point, we can refer to Surah Al-Isra, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:188)

And do not consume your wealth among yourselves unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse highlights the importance of knowledge in preventing the unjust consumption of wealth and engaging in corrupt practices.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that knowledge is a valuable asset that surpasses material wealth. It encourages us to prioritize the acquisition of knowledge and utilize it to protect ourselves and our resources. By seeking knowledge, we not only enhance our understanding of the world but also strengthen our ability to navigate through life's challenges.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the superiority of knowledge over wealth and highlights the protective nature of knowledge. It urges Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of knowledge and utilize it to safeguard themselves and their possessions. May we all strive to acquire knowledge and benefit from its wisdom in this world and the hereafter.