Hadith #2163

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,

مَنْ خالَفَ الحَزْمَ هَلَكَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who opposes judiciousness is destroyed.

In this Hadith, the word (hazm) "حَزْمَ" refers to judiciousness or firmness in decision-making. It signifies the quality of being resolute, determined, and unwavering in one's choices and actions.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of judiciousness in several verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (49:6)

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful

This verse highlights the necessity of carefully examining and verifying information before making judgments or taking actions that may have negative consequences.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (2:42)

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it]

This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding the truth and not distorting it or hiding it for personal gain or to deceive others. It highlights the need for judiciousness in distinguishing between truth and falsehood and acting accordingly.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith warns against opposing judiciousness, indicating that such opposition leads to destruction. When individuals disregard the principles of sound decision-making and act impulsively or without proper consideration, they are likely to bring harm upon themselves and others. This destruction can manifest in various forms, including physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences.

For instance, if a person hastily makes judgments without seeking the truth or understanding the full context, they may end up accusing innocent individuals or spreading false information. This can lead to the destruction of relationships, reputations, and even communities. Similarly, if someone acts recklessly without considering the potential consequences, they may engage in harmful behaviors that result in physical harm or loss.

Opposing judiciousness can also have spiritual implications. Making decisions based on desires, whims, or ignorance of Islamic teachings can lead individuals astray from the path of righteousness. It can result in disobedience to Allah's commands and the neglect of one's duties towards Him and fellow human beings. Such actions can ultimately lead to the destruction of one's faith and spiritual well-being.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying serves as a reminder for Muslims to uphold the principles of judiciousness in their lives. It encourages us to seek knowledge, reflect upon the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and make informed decisions based on wisdom and righteousness. By doing so, we can avoid the destructive consequences that arise from opposing judiciousness and instead lead a life of harmony, justice, and spiritual growth.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embrace judiciousness in all aspects of our lives and protect us from the destructive consequences of opposing it. Ameen.