Hadith #2161

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "غايَةُ الحَزْمِ الاِسْتِظْهارُ۔" This can be translated as,

The end result of judiciousness is precaution.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their significance.

The word (hazm) "حَزْمِ" refers to judiciousness or decisiveness. It implies the quality of making wise and well-thought-out decisions, considering all the available options and their consequences. It is the ability to analyze situations and make sound judgments based on knowledge and wisdom.

The word (istizhaar) "اِسْتِظْهارُ" means precaution or taking preventive measures. It signifies the act of being cautious and taking steps to avoid potential harm or negative outcomes. It is a proactive approach to protect oneself and others from harm.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of being prepared and taking provisions for a journey. Similarly, in our daily lives, we must be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead by making wise decisions and taking precautions.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 60:

And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy.

This verse highlights the importance of being prepared for battle, both in terms of physical strength and strategic planning. It emphasizes the need for judiciousness and precaution in order to overcome challenges and protect oneself.

Now, let us reflect on the exegesis of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled wisdom and knowledge, teaches us that the ultimate outcome of judiciousness is the act of taking precaution. When we make well-informed decisions, considering all the possible outcomes and consequences, we naturally adopt a cautious approach to protect ourselves and others from harm.

For example, in our personal lives, when faced with a difficult situation, we must carefully analyze the options available to us and choose the course of action that minimizes harm and maximizes benefit. This may involve seeking advice from knowledgeable individuals, conducting thorough research, or considering the potential consequences of our actions. By doing so, we demonstrate the essence of judiciousness, which ultimately leads us to take precautionary measures.

Furthermore, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of foresight and planning. When we exercise judiciousness in our decision-making, we are better equipped to anticipate potential risks and challenges. This allows us to take preventive measures and mitigate the negative consequences that may arise. Just as a traveler prepares provisions for their journey, we too must prepare ourselves for the journey of life by making wise decisions and taking precautionary measures.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the end result of judiciousness is precaution. By making well-informed decisions and considering the potential consequences, we naturally adopt a cautious approach to protect ourselves and others from harm. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of being prepared and taking preventive measures. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to make judicious decisions and the ability to take precautionary measures in all aspects of our lives.