Hadith #7739

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Action will never be pure unless it is accompanied by knowledge.

This amazing Hadith emphasizes the importance of knowledge in the realm of actions and highlights the inseparable relationship between the two.

Let us delve into the key words of this hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (amal) "عَمَلُ" refers to any action or deed that a person performs. It encompasses both physical acts and internal intentions. The word (yazkuwa) "يَزْكُوَ" means to purify or make something pure. It implies that an action needs to be purified in order to attain its desired outcome. And finally, the word (ilm) "عِلْمُ" refers to knowledge, which encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge.

To support the exegesis of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Zumar, verse 9, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights the superiority of knowledge over ignorance. It emphasizes that those who possess knowledge are in a higher position than those who lack it. This verse aligns with the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), as it emphasizes the importance of knowledge in the realm of actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mujadila, verse 11, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights that those who possess knowledge will be elevated in ranks by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It signifies that knowledge is not only beneficial in this world but also holds significance in the hereafter. This verse further reinforces the importance of knowledge in the context of actions.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of this hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that actions alone are not sufficient for them to be considered pure and praiseworthy. They must be accompanied by knowledge. This knowledge serves as a guiding light that illuminates our actions, ensuring that they are in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

For example, if someone performs acts of worship, such as prayer or fasting, without proper knowledge of the rules and etiquettes, their actions may not be accepted or rewarded. Knowledge enables us to understand the correct way to perform these acts, the intentions behind them, and the proper manner of fulfilling their requirements. Without knowledge, our actions may lack sincerity, correctness, and adherence to the teachings of Islam.

Moreover, knowledge also empowers us to make informed decisions in our daily lives. It enables us to differentiate between right and wrong, good and evil. It equips us with the understanding of the consequences of our actions, both in this world and the hereafter. Without knowledge, we may unknowingly engage in actions that are harmful to ourselves and others, leading to negative outcomes.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, is emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge and applying it to our actions. He is urging Muslims to strive for knowledge in all aspects of life, be it religious or worldly. By doing so, our actions will be purified, and we will attain a higher level of righteousness and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that actions alone are not sufficient for them to be considered pure and praiseworthy. They must be accompanied by knowledge. This knowledge serves as a guiding light, ensuring that our actions are in accordance with the teachings of Islam. By seeking knowledge and applying it to our actions, we purify our deeds and attain a higher level of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to seek knowledge and purify our actions.