Hadith #2186

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,

إنَّ الحازِمَ مَنْ لا يَغْتَرَّ بِالخُدَعِ

which translates to

Indeed the judicious person is one who does not get beguiled by deceptions.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of being cautious and vigilant, and not falling prey to the tricks and deceptions of others.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by analyzing its key words. The word (hazim) "حازِمَ" refers to a person who possesses the quality of being judicious, firm, and resolute in their decision-making. They are not easily swayed or deceived by the cunning tactics of others. The word (la) "لا" negates the action of being beguiled or deceived. And finally, (al-khuda) "الخُدَعِ" refers to the deceptions, tricks, or schemes that people may employ to mislead or manipulate others.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly warns us about the dangers of deception and the importance of being cautious. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 71, Allah says,

O People of the Scripture, why do you confuse the truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know?

This verse highlights the deceptive tactics employed by some people to distort the truth and mislead others.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 42, where Allah says,

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between truth and falsehood and not succumbing to deception.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and discerning in their interactions with others. It encourages us to be aware of the various tactics that people may use to deceive us, whether it be through false promises, manipulation, or misleading information.

By not getting beguiled by deceptions, we protect ourselves from falling into harmful situations or making decisions that go against our principles and values. This quality of being judicious and cautious is especially important in matters of faith, where false ideologies and beliefs can lead us astray from the true path.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this quality throughout his life. He was known for his ability to see through the deceptions of his enemies and make sound judgments based on his deep understanding of the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of being judicious and not falling prey to the deceptions of others. It urges us to be cautious, discerning, and steadfast in our decision-making, especially in matters of faith. By being aware of the tricks and schemes that people may employ, we can protect ourselves from harm and stay on the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and insight to navigate through the deceptions of this world and guide us towards the truth.