Path of Guidance Based on Imam Ali’s View
Imam Ali (AS) describes the pious in Al-Muttaqin Sermon as those “who dedicate their ears to a knowledge that brings benefits”. This short sentence bears important messages. First and foremost, a wise person is not entitled to listen to things that do not add anything to his knowledge. The ability to hear is a divine blessing and the way to express appreciation for this mercy is to not use it in inappropriate manners.
Listening and paying attention to the truth have also been stressed in the Holy Quran. “And they will then say: 'If only we had listened and understood we should not now be among the inhabitants of the Blaze’.” (Surah Al-Mulk, verse 10) The Quran makes several references to people who refuse to listen to the truth.
Imam Ali (AS) says all the things that are necessary for the guidance of people have been provided to them if only they open their eyes and the truths have been read to their ears if only they listen.
According to Imam Ali (AS), the path of guidance is open to all people as the Quran is the book of guidance and God is the Guide. So we need to hear and think and then implement the deeds. Of course, not all knowledge or science is beneficial, rather, what can bring self-understanding and the truth of the world to man can be called beneficial.
The article was derived from remarks made by Seyyad Hamid Khoei, a Nahj al-Balagha researcher.
