اَلفِطْنَةُ هِدايَةٌ۔
Astuteness is [a means of attaining] guidance.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Astuteness)
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, "الفِطْنَةُ هِدايَةٌ۔" This can be translated as,
Astuteness is [a means of attaining] guidance.
Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.
The word (al-fitnah) "الفِطْنَةُ" in this Hadith refers to astuteness, discernment, or intelligence. It is the ability to understand and differentiate between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. It encompasses wisdom, insight, and the capacity to make sound judgments. Astuteness is a quality that enables a person to navigate through the complexities of life and make decisions that align with the teachings of Islam.
The word (hidayah) "هِدايَةٌ" means guidance. In the Islamic context, guidance refers to the divine guidance bestowed upon humanity by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is the light that illuminates our path, leading us towards righteousness, success, and ultimately, salvation. Guidance is a precious gift from Allah, and it is through His guidance that we can attain spiritual enlightenment and attain closeness to Him.
The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of astuteness and its connection to guidance. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (Quran 8:29)
O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.
This verse highlights that by having astuteness and fearing Allah, one is granted a criterion to distinguish between right and wrong, and their sins are forgiven. This guidance from Allah is a result of their astuteness and consciousness of Him.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:186)
And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.
This verse emphasizes the importance of turning to Allah in supplication and obedience, as it is through this connection that we can attain His guidance. Astuteness plays a crucial role in recognizing the need for guidance and seeking it from Allah.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights in this Hadith that astuteness is a means of attaining guidance. By cultivating astuteness, we are able to make informed decisions that are in line with the teachings of Islam. It allows us to navigate through the challenges and temptations of this world, ensuring that we stay on the path of righteousness.
Astuteness enables us to recognize the signs of guidance that Allah has placed in our lives. It helps us discern between truth and falsehood, enabling us to make choices that are pleasing to Allah. For example, when faced with a moral dilemma, an astute person will refer to the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) to make a decision that aligns with Islamic principles.
Moreover, astuteness helps us avoid falling into the traps of Shaytan and his whispers. It allows us to recognize his deceitful tactics and protects us from being led astray. By being astute, we are able to identify the signs of danger and avoid actions that may lead us away from the path of guidance.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that astuteness is a means of attaining guidance. By cultivating this quality, we are able to make informed decisions that align with the teachings of Islam. Astuteness enables us to navigate through the complexities of life, recognize the signs of guidance from Allah, and protect ourselves from the traps of Shaytan. May Allah grant us the wisdom and astuteness to seek His guidance and follow the path of righteousness.
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