Hadith #7335

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he draws a powerful analogy between fire and knowledge. He states that just as fire is not diminished by what is taken from it, but rather extinguished when it lacks firewood, similarly, knowledge is not depleted by being acquired, but the lack of sharing and dissemination of knowledge by its possessors is the cause of its absence.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (fire) "نَّارَ" refers to the flames that consume and destroy. The word (diminished) "يَنْقُصُها" means to reduce or decrease. (taken) "أُخِذَ" signifies the act of taking or extracting something. (extinguished) "يُخْمِدُها" refers to the act of putting out or extinguishing a fire. (firewood) "حَطَباً" represents the fuel that sustains the fire. And finally, (knowledge) "العِلْمُ" refers to the knowledge and wisdom that is acquired and possessed.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 24:35)

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things.

This ayat beautifully illustrates the concept of knowledge being like a light that illuminates the darkness. Just as fire needs fuel to sustain itself, knowledge needs to be shared and disseminated to continue to flourish. The more knowledge is shared, the brighter it becomes, just like the lamp in the niche.

Another ayat that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Asr, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This ayat emphasizes the importance of advising one another to truth and patience. It highlights the significance of sharing knowledge and guiding others towards righteousness. By doing so, we prevent the loss of knowledge and ensure its continuity.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. Knowledge is a precious gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that should be cherished and shared. It is not diminished by being acquired, but rather it grows and flourishes when it is shared with others.

However, the Hadith also highlights the role of the possessors of knowledge. If they are miserly and fail to share their knowledge, it can lead to its absence and loss. Just as fire is extinguished when it lacks firewood, knowledge can fade away when it is not shared and disseminated.

Therefore, as Muslims, it is our duty to acquire knowledge and then generously share it with others. We should not hoard knowledge, but rather strive to spread it far and wide. By doing so, we ensure the continuity and growth of knowledge, benefiting not only ourselves but also the entire Muslim community.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for us to value and share knowledge. Just as fire needs fuel to sustain itself, knowledge needs to be shared to flourish. Let us strive to acquire knowledge and then generously share it with others, ensuring its continuity and growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with knowledge and guide us to be generous in sharing it.