Hadith #7003

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights three important qualities related to intelligence, prudence, and foolishness. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring the meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

The first quality mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is (intelligence) "العَقْلِ" which he describes as (taking lesson from the past) "الاِعْتِبارُ". This implies that true intelligence lies in reflecting upon and learning from our experiences and the experiences of others. The Quran beautifully emphasizes the importance of reflection and learning from history in Surah Al-Hashr (59:2), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed. He is the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

This verse reminds us that Allah is the All-Knowing, and through His guidance, we can gain wisdom and understanding by reflecting on the past.

The second quality mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is (prudence) "الحَزْمِ" which he describes as (precaution) "الاِسْتِظْهارُ". This highlights the importance of being cautious and taking proactive measures to avoid potential harm or pitfalls. The Quran emphasizes the value of prudence in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse encourages us to be prepared and take necessary precautions in our lives, while also emphasizing the ultimate importance of piety and God-consciousness.

The third quality mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is (foolishness) "الحُمْقِ" which he describes as (being deceived by worldly allures) "الاِغْتِرارُ". This warns against the foolishness of being deluded by the temporary attractions and distractions of this world, which can lead us astray from the path of righteousness. The Quran repeatedly warns against the allure of worldly possessions and the consequences of being deceived by them. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse reminds us that the material possessions and pleasures of this world are temporary and fleeting, and true wisdom lies in recognizing their true value and not being deceived by them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking words in this Hadith serve as a timeless reminder for all Muslims. By reflecting on the past, taking necessary precautions, and not being deceived by worldly allures, we can attain true intelligence, prudence, and avoid falling into foolishness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to implement these teachings in our lives and protect us from the traps of this world.