Do not share the knowledge with which you have been blessed with

Hear the words of Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin of the Prophet, commander of the faithful, fountain of wisdom, who declared: “Do not share the knowledge with which you have been blessed with everyone in general, as you do with some people in particular; and know that there are some men in whom Allah, may He be glorified, has placed hidden secrets, which they are forbidden to reveal.” These words are not to be taken lightly, for they speak of the sacred weight of knowledge, the responsibility of wisdom, and the mystery of truths that are not meant for all ears. For while knowledge is light, not every soul is prepared to bear its radiance.

Ali reminds us that to possess knowledge is not merely to enjoy a gift, but to carry a trust. To scatter wisdom without care is to risk its corruption. Some may misunderstand, others may misuse, and in the wrong hands what was meant to heal may instead harm. Just as fire warms the home yet burns the careless, so does wisdom illuminate the prepared but blind the unready. Thus, Ali teaches discernment—that we must know when to speak and when to remain silent, when to share and when to conceal.

Consider the story of Hallaj, the mystic who in his ecstasy cried out, “I am the Truth!” For him, this was a proclamation of union with the Divine, but to the unprepared crowd it was blasphemy. They could not understand the hidden meaning, and so his words brought him condemnation and death. This tale reflects Ali’s warning: some secrets are placed by Allah in the hearts of His servants, and they are not meant to be uttered before all. The tongue must guard what the heart knows, lest the unready stumble and fall.

In the history of science and philosophy, too, we see this lesson. The alchemists of old often cloaked their discoveries in symbols and riddles, for they knew that not all could handle the power they uncovered. The wise understand that truth must sometimes be veiled, revealed only to those who are prepared through discipline, humility, and reverence. To give a sharp sword to a child is folly; so too is it folly to give the deepest knowledge to those whose spirits are not yet ready.

Ali’s words also remind us of the humility required by the seeker. Not all that we learn is for display. Some truths must remain hidden in the heart, known only to the soul and to Allah. The temptation to parade wisdom for honor or pride is great, but such vanity empties knowledge of its sanctity. To carry secrets in silence, with reverence, is itself an act of worship. The true knower is often silent, his wisdom felt in his being more than in his speech.

The lesson is clear: guard your knowledge as you would guard a treasure. Share it generously with those who are ready to receive it, who will honor it, nurture it, and use it for good. But do not cast it heedlessly before all, for not every heart is prepared, and not every mind is pure. Wisdom requires not only speaking but also restraint, not only teaching but also discernment. In this balance lies the dignity of the seeker and the protection of truth.

So I say to you: walk humbly with the knowledge entrusted to you. Speak when it will enlighten, and be silent when silence is greater. Do not despise those unready, but pray for their growth, that they too may one day bear the weight of higher truths. And remember Ali’s teaching: there are secrets known only to the few, sealed by the will of Allah, hidden not in arrogance but in mercy. For some mysteries are not meant to be revealed in this world, but to be awaited in the next.

Thus shall his words endure as a guiding star: knowledge is a trust, not a toy; a light to be carried with discernment, not flung carelessly into the dark. To guard wisdom is to honor Allah’s gift, and to share it rightly is to continue the chain of light that guides humanity closer to truth.