Hadith #81

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

رَأْيُ الشَّيْخِ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ جَلَدِ الْغُلاَم۔ِ

This can be translated as:

I love the opinion of an old man more than the determination of a young man.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (ra'i) "رَأْيُ" refers to an opinion or viewpoint, while (ash-shaykh) "الشَّيْخِ" refers to an old man. On the other hand, (jalad) "جَلَدِ" means the determination or resolution, and (al-ghulam) "الْغُلاَم۔ِ" refers to a young man.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from those who are older and more experienced. In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 13, Allah says:

And relate to them the story of the two men, We gave to one of them two gardens of vine, and We surrounded both with date-palms, and placed crops in between them.

This verse highlights the wisdom and experience of the older man, who advises his companion based on his knowledge and understanding.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 14, Allah mentions the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and Khidr (a wise and knowledgeable servant of Allah). Prophet Musa seeks the company of Khidr to learn from his wisdom and guidance. This demonstrates the importance of seeking knowledge and guidance from those who are more experienced and knowledgeable.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reflects the wisdom and understanding he possessed. He valued the opinions of older individuals, as they often have a wealth of experience and knowledge that can guide us in making better decisions. The determination and enthusiasm of young individuals are commendable, but they may lack the wisdom and foresight that comes with age and experience.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) preference for the opinion of an old man does not imply that the opinions of young people should be disregarded or undervalued. Rather, it highlights the importance of seeking guidance from those who have lived longer and have accumulated wisdom through their experiences.

In our daily lives, we encounter various situations where we need to make decisions. It is essential to consider the opinions of older individuals who have faced similar circumstances and can provide valuable insights. Their wisdom can help us avoid potential pitfalls and make informed choices.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement encourages us to respect and honor the elderly, as they possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that can benefit society. Islam places great emphasis on respecting and caring for the elderly, as they are a source of wisdom and guidance for the younger generation.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of valuing the opinions of older individuals and seeking their guidance. It reminds us to respect and honor the wisdom that comes with age and experience. By doing so, we can make better decisions and benefit from the knowledge and insights of those who have come before us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek wisdom and guidance from the elderly and benefit from their knowledge.