Hadith #7343

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) states,

العِلْمُ يُنْجيكَ، الجَهْلُ يُرْديكَ

which translates to

Knowledge saves you, ignorance destroys you.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and the dire consequences of remaining ignorant.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (knowledge) "العِلْمُ" refers to the understanding and awareness of facts, principles, and truths. It encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. (saves you) "يُنْجيكَ" implies that knowledge acts as a means of deliverance, protection, and salvation. It guides individuals towards the right path, enabling them to make informed decisions and avoid pitfalls.

On the other hand, (ignorance) "الجَهْلُ" signifies the lack of knowledge or awareness. It is a state of being uninformed, unaware, or misguided. (destroys you) "يُرْديكَ" highlights the detrimental consequences of remaining ignorant. Ignorance can lead to making wrong choices, falling into error, and ultimately causing harm to oneself and others.

The Quranic verses provide ample support for the significance of knowledge and the perils of ignorance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9),

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

This verse emphasizes the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who are ignorant. It highlights the distinction between the two and the consequences that arise from their respective states.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 emphasizes the importance of verifying information and seeking knowledge before passing judgment or taking action. It warns against the harms that can arise from acting out of ignorance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound implications for our lives as Muslims. Knowledge is not limited to religious matters alone but encompasses all aspects of life. Seeking knowledge allows us to understand the world around us, make informed decisions, and contribute positively to society. It empowers us to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood.

Moreover, knowledge enables us to fulfill our obligations as Muslims. It helps us understand the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), allowing us to practice our faith with wisdom and conviction. It also equips us to respond to challenges and misconceptions about Islam, promoting a better understanding of our religion.

Conversely, remaining ignorant can lead to detrimental consequences. Ignorance can result in misunderstandings, conflicts, and the perpetuation of harmful practices. It hinders personal growth, limits opportunities, and prevents us from fulfilling our potential as individuals and as a community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening saying serves as a reminder for all Muslims to prioritize seeking knowledge in all aspects of life. It encourages us to be lifelong learners, constantly striving to expand our understanding and improve ourselves. By doing so, we can navigate the complexities of the world with wisdom, make sound decisions, and contribute positively to our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Knowledge saves you, ignorance destroys you

emphasizes the critical importance of seeking knowledge and the dire consequences of remaining ignorant. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly highlight the significance of knowledge and the perils of ignorance. As Muslims, we are encouraged to seek knowledge in all aspects of life, enabling us to make informed decisions, fulfill our obligations, and contribute positively to society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and motivation to seek knowledge and protect us from the harms of ignorance.