Hadith #4663

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us an important lesson about humility and honesty in seeking knowledge. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises that when someone is asked a question about something they do not know, they should not be ashamed to admit their lack of knowledge and simply say,

I do not know.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The phrase (la yastahyīanna aḥadun) "لا يَسْتَحْيِيَنَّ أحَدٌ" means

one should not feel ashamed.

This highlights the importance of humility in seeking knowledge. It is natural for human beings to have limitations in their knowledge, and it is not something to be ashamed of.

The phrase (idhā su'ila 'ammā lā ya'lamu)

إذا سُئِلَ عَمّا لا يَعْلَمُ

means

when one is asked about that which he knows not.

This refers to situations where someone is questioned about a subject or matter that they do not have knowledge about. It is important to note that this Hadith specifically addresses situations where one is asked about something they do not know, rather than situations where they have partial knowledge or are unsure.

The phrase (an yaqūla: lā a'lamu)

أنْ يَقُولَ: لا أعْلَمُ

means

to say: I do not know.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises that in such situations, one should simply admit their lack of knowledge and say,

I do not know.

This demonstrates the importance of honesty and integrity in seeking knowledge. It is better to admit our limitations and seek knowledge from those who are more knowledgeable, rather than pretending to know something we do not.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is supported by several Quranic verses. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And never say of anything, 'Indeed, I will do that tomorrow,' Except [when adding], 'If Allah wills.'

This verse reminds us of the importance of acknowledging our limitations and recognizing that our plans are subject to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Similarly, when we do not have knowledge about something, we should acknowledge our limitations and seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports the teaching of this Hadith is in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse emphasizes the importance of not speaking about matters without knowledge. It reminds us that we will be held accountable for our words and actions, and it is better to admit our lack of knowledge than to speak without understanding.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the virtue of humility and honesty in seeking knowledge. By admitting our lack of knowledge, we open ourselves up to learning and seeking guidance from those who are more knowledgeable. This not only helps us in our personal growth but also fosters an environment of intellectual honesty and integrity within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of recognizing our limitations as human beings. We are not all-knowing, and it is only through humility and a sincere desire for knowledge that we can truly grow and develop. By acknowledging our lack of knowledge, we demonstrate our reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our willingness to seek His guidance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be humble and honest in seeking knowledge. It teaches us the importance of admitting our lack of knowledge and seeking guidance from those who are more knowledgeable. By embodying these qualities, we can foster an environment of intellectual growth and unity within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with humility, honesty, and a sincere desire for knowledge.