There is a narration attributed to Imam Ali (a) that delineates the distinction between a knowledgeable person and an ignorant one, emphasizing how the former benefits from their knowledge unlike the latter. Let us examine the narration as reported by ʿAllāmah al-Majlisī4 in his seminal work of Biḥār al-Anwār:
The worshipper without understanding is like a donkey turning a millstone, incessantly circling yet going nowhere.
Two units of prayer from a knowledgeable person are better than seventy units from an ignorant one. This is because trials befall to the knowledgeable, and he emerges from them through use of his knowledge, while [the same] trials come to the ignorant and obliterate him. Little action with abundant knowledge is better than abundant action with little knowledge, amidst doubt and confusion.5 The analogy likening a worshipper without understanding to a donkey turning a millstone underscores the idea of futile, aimless effort. Just as a donkey circles endlessly without
progress, an ignorant worshipper may engage in rituals without grasping their significance or adhering to their underlying principles.
The narration highlights the superiority of knowledge over mere actions. It suggests that two units of prayer performed by a knowledgeable individual hold greater value than seventy units performed by an ignorant person. This disparity arises from the fact that trials and challenges inevitably confront individuals, but the knowledgeable emerge from them unscathed, armed with their understanding of religious principles. In contrast, the ignorant are overwhelmed by trials, lacking the guidance to navigate through them effectively.
The metaphor of the millstone emphasizes the notion of stagnation and lack of advancement when one lacks understanding. Just as the millstone spins in circles without moving forward, so too does the ignorant individual fail to progress spiritually or intellectually.
Moreover, the narration underscores the importance of clarity and discernment in the face of trials. Knowledgeable individuals possess the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood, avoiding the trap of blindly believing rumors or misinformation. By adhering to stringent criteria for accepting information, they safeguard their knowledge and integrity, emerging unscathed from the onslaught of rumors and false accusations that may ensnare the ignorant.
Ultimately, Imam Ali (a) is telling us that knowledge serves as a shield against the destructive impact of trials and misinformation. It empowers individuals to navigate challenges with wisdom and clarity, ensuring spiritual growth and integrity in the face of adversity.