Special Status of Knowledge in Imam Ali’s Words
In a series of sessions recently held, sociologist and religious researcher Emad Afroogh, who passed away last month, tried to introduce the thoughts of Imam Ali (AS).
In the 31st session, he cited Hadith 205 of Nahj al-Balagha and talked about Imam Ali’s (AS) views on the importance of knowledge. Here is a summary of his remarks:
The Hadith I have chosen for this session is Hadith 205 of Nahj al-Balagha. I have thought frequently about why the more one studies and reads books, the less he knows. It had become an issue for me and I wondered why the more I read to add to my knowledge, the more questions I have. Then I came across this Hadith in Nahj al-Balagha and my thirst in this regard was quenched to some extent.
In Hadith 205 of Nahj al-Balagha, Imam (AS) says: “Every container gets narrower according to what is placed in it except the container of knowledge which expands instead.”
This means the container of knowledge has no limits. And it is interesting that you should pour something into it so that it will expand. That is to say, unless you pour something in it, its extent would not be clear. The point is we should study and read much and contemplate so that the container of our knowledge would expand. The more we read, the bigger the container of our knowledge gets and new questions arise in our mind. The container of knowledge has no limits and one should add to his knowledge, and consequently to his insight and deeds until the last moments of his life.
