Hadith #6346

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Conjecture errs, but certainty is [always] right and does not err.

This beautiful saying highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and avoiding baseless assumptions. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (zann) "ظَنُّ" refers to conjecture, assumption, or guesswork. It is an uncertain belief that lacks evidence or proof. On the other hand, (yaqeen) "يَقِينُ" means certainty, conviction, or firm belief based on knowledge and evidence. It is a state of complete assurance and confidence.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and avoiding conjecture. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (49:6)

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful

This verse encourages Muslims to verify information before accepting and acting upon it.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us that certainty is the foundation of faith. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah says, (22:62)

That is because Allah is the Truth, and that which they call upon other than Him is falsehood, and because Allah is the Most High, the Grand

This verse highlights the absolute certainty and truthfulness of Allah, while emphasizing the falsehood of anything besides Him.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to base their beliefs and actions on knowledge and certainty. Conjecture, on the other hand, leads to errors and misunderstandings. When we rely on assumptions and guesswork, we risk making incorrect judgments and decisions.

For example, in matters of religious beliefs and practices, it is crucial to seek knowledge from authentic sources such as the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By studying and understanding these sources, we can attain certainty in our faith and avoid falling into the trap of baseless assumptions.

Moreover, in our daily lives, certainty enables us to make informed choices and decisions. When we have a solid foundation of knowledge and evidence, we can navigate through challenges and make wise judgments. This applies to various aspects of life, including personal relationships, professional endeavors, and societal issues.

Conversely, relying on conjecture can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and negative consequences. It is like walking in the dark without a guiding light. Without certainty, we may fall into the traps of rumors, misinformation, and biases, which can harm ourselves and others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and avoiding conjecture. Certainty, based on evidence and understanding, is the key to righteousness and avoiding errors. By following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can attain true certainty and lead a life of righteousness and wisdom. May Allah guide us all to the path of knowledge and certainty.