Hadith #2720

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,

ضالَّةُ الحَكِيمِ الحِكْمَةُ، فَهُوَ يَطْلُبُها حَيْثُ كانَتْ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

The lost possession of a sage is wisdom, so he seeks it out wherever it may be.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (dallatu) "ضالَّةُ" refers to something that is lost or misplaced. (al-hakim) "الحَكِيمِ" refers to a wise person, someone who possesses deep understanding and knowledge. And (al-hikmah) "الحِكْمَةُ" means wisdom, which encompasses the ability to discern the truth, make sound judgments, and apply knowledge in a beneficial manner.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:269)

And whoever is given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

This verse highlights the immense value of wisdom and how it is a blessing from Allah. It is a gift that brings immense goodness to the one who possesses it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 31:12)

And We had certainly given Luqman wisdom [saying], 'Be grateful to Allah.' And whoever is grateful is grateful for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever denies [His favor] - then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of gratitude and how wisdom is intertwined with it. Luqman, known for his wisdom, was advised to be grateful to Allah, recognizing that wisdom and gratitude go hand in hand.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The phrase

The lost possession of a sage is wisdom

implies that wisdom is a treasure that can be misplaced or forgotten. It highlights the significance of actively seeking wisdom, as it is not something that can be taken for granted. A wise person recognizes the value of wisdom and endeavors to acquire it throughout their life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled wisdom, exemplified this by constantly seeking knowledge and understanding. He understood that wisdom is not confined to a specific place or time. It can be found in various sources, such as the Quran, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and the experiences and insights of others. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of seeking wisdom

wherever it may be.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to actively pursue wisdom and knowledge. It encourages us to be lifelong learners, continuously seeking wisdom from various sources and applying it in our lives. It reminds us that wisdom is not limited to religious texts alone but can be found in the world around us. It encourages us to engage with different perspectives and experiences, recognizing that wisdom can be gained from diverse sources.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of wisdom and the need to actively seek it. It reminds us that wisdom is a precious possession that can be lost if not nurtured and pursued. By seeking wisdom wherever it may be, we can enrich our lives, make better decisions, and fulfill our purpose as Muslims. May Allah grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and apply it in a beneficial manner.