Testing of Wisdom and Knowledge – Imam Ali (AS)´s approach to Knowledge
Podcast
Transcript:
My dear brothers and sisters, I pray you are all well. I would like to thank Arif Bhai and The Community on Friday for giving me this small opportunity to share some insights with you on Imam ´Ali’s approach to knowledge. This is especially important as we approach the nights of Qadr and his martyrdom, reflecting on his beautiful and pious life.
I would like to share a few snippets from Letter 31 of Nahj al-Balagha, which is reported to be the letter Imam ´Ali wrote to his son Imam Hasan, or, according to other reports, Muhammad al-Hanafiyya. There are two sentences in this letter which will help us understand Imam ´Ali’s deep insight into knowledge and its use.
The first sentence advises:
“Let your search for knowledge be with deep understanding and deep learning.”
It is a very beautiful sentence. When Imam ´Ali leaves advice for his sons, he states that whatever advice he is leaving, if they reject or refuse to accept it, they should still let their reflection on his words be with deep understanding and learning, rather than with doubts, quarrels, or disputation. This highlights the beauty of Imam ´Ali’s approach; he does not force knowledge or instruction upon his children. He implies that because they are older, they must reflect on the advice themselves.
This brings us to the first point: there is a difference in approach regarding how we nurture younger children versus older children. When we teach children at a young age, there is instruction and a sense of direction to establish an environment where they know the difference between right and wrong. This is compulsion in the sense of guidance, not dictatorship. However, when children are older, the approach shifts; Imam Ali advises reflection with deep understanding and knowledge.
Secondly, Imam ´Ali places the responsibility on the seeker to approach knowledge and information with deep care, detail, and understanding. We should not be superficial. In terms of contemporary implications, we are surrounded by information today through technology, social media, and news. Ultimately, every single aspect of information we hear – even lectures from the pulpit – should be questioned and understood in detail, not just accepted blindly. Whether reading a news headline, hearing a hadith, or reflecting on the Qur´an, we must question and verify. This is a beautiful point applicable to both religious and secular knowledge, training us to approach learning deeply rather than superficially.
The second point addresses what we do with that knowledge. Once we are engaging deeply with the Qur´an and various materials, how do we utilise that knowledge? Imam ´Ali provides an answer in the same letter, stating:
“Indeed, there is no goodness in knowledge at all which does not benefit.”
This means that the knowledge we procure must be beneficial; it must have a use for ourselves and society. Knowledge must have a practical implication. We must ask: How can we uplift society? How can I improve myself?
If one is a scholar, politician, leader, or businessman, one should not remain in an ivory tower or be self-interested. We must consider how our knowledge can help others and improve our own character. Imam ´Ali was the exemplification of this. History indicates that when he was struck in Kufa on the 19th night of Ramadhan, the people in the mosque cried out upon realising he was dying, asking, “Where is the father of our orphans and widows? Who will look after them?”
Imam ´Ali was remembered by society for his practical action and the knowledge he put into effect. He fed people and distributed bread and money to orphans and widows. He was not remembered only for his many sermons or his status as the most knowledgeable person; the people saw that his knowledge had a tangible effect on society. His piety and God-consciousness translated into social good. Even in Letter 53 to Malik al-Ashtar in Nahj al-Balagha, we see how he left principles of governance. His knowledge was not just theoretical; it was knowledge of how to improve society.
These are two gems from Imam ´Ali, which I pray we can follow. I remind myself first that Allah (SWT) gives us the strength to follow his teachings so that we may be better Muslims. Especially on these nights, may He accept our deeds and reflections. I ask that we end with a prayer for all those who are ill and oppressed around the world, particularly in light of current tragedies. We ask Allah to grant justice to the oppressed and give us the strength to implement justice.
