Hadith #2735

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of wisdom in our interactions and decision-making. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound hadith and explore its deeper meanings in light of the Quran.

The first part of the hadith states,

It is from [the dictates of] wisdom that you should not dispute with the one who is above you.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to engage in unnecessary arguments or disputes with those who hold a higher position or authority than us. This is not only a matter of respect and humility but also a means to maintain harmony and order within society. The Quran supports this notion in Surah An-Nisa, verse 59, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.

The second part of the hadith states,

you should not humiliate the one who is below you.

This teaches us the importance of treating others with kindness, compassion, and respect, regardless of their social status or position. The Quran emphasizes this principle in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them.

The third part of the hadith states,

you should not pursue that which is not in your ability.

This advises us to be realistic in our goals and aspirations, recognizing our limitations and capabilities. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of this in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286, where He says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.

The fourth part of the hadith states,

you should not let your tongue go against [what is in] your heart, nor let your words go against your deeds.

This highlights the importance of sincerity and integrity in our speech and actions. The Quran emphasizes the significance of aligning our words with our deeds in Surah Al-Asr, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

The fifth part of the hadith states,

you should not speak about that which you have no knowledge of.

This reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and avoiding baseless assumptions or spreading misinformation. The Quran encourages us to seek knowledge in Surah Al-Zumar, verse 9, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

The final part of the hadith states,

you should not leave the matter when it comes in front of you and seek it when it has passed.

This advises us to be proactive and seize opportunities when they arise, rather than regretting missed chances later on. The Quran emphasizes the importance of taking action in Surah Al-Asr, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with valuable guidance on wisdom and proper conduct. It encourages us to maintain harmony, treat others with respect, be realistic in our pursuits, align our words with our actions, seek knowledge, and seize opportunities. By adhering to these teachings, we can cultivate a society based on justice, compassion, and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to implement these teachings in our lives and benefit from their profound wisdom.