Hadith #2706

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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, "الحكمة ترشد" which translates to

Wisdom guides [one] to the right.

This concise statement holds connotation and serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek wisdom in their lives.

The word (hikmah) "حكمة" in this Hadith refers to wisdom. It encompasses knowledge, understanding, and the ability to make sound judgments and decisions. Wisdom is not merely the accumulation of facts and information, but rather the application of knowledge in a way that leads to righteousness and guidance.

The word (tardhud) "ترشد" comes from the root word (rushd) "رشد", which means guidance or the right path. It signifies the role of wisdom in leading individuals towards the correct course of action and moral conduct. It implies that wisdom is a guiding light that illuminates the path of righteousness and helps individuals navigate through the complexities of life.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of wisdom in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:30-32)

And [recall] when your Lord said to the angels, 'Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.' They said, 'Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?' Allah said, 'Indeed, I know that which you do not know.' And He taught Adam the names - all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, 'Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful.' They said, 'Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise'

In this verse, Allah highlights His own wisdom in granting Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) knowledge and understanding. It demonstrates that wisdom is a divine attribute and a gift from Allah. It also emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding, as it leads to guidance and righteousness.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Qasas, where Allah says, (Quran 28:15-17)

And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.' He said, 'My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me,' and He forgave him. Indeed, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. He said, 'My Lord, for the favor You bestowed upon me, I will never be an assistant to the criminals'

In this story of Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we see the application of wisdom in making the right decision. Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) acted in haste and unintentionally killed a man, but he immediately recognized his mistake and sought forgiveness from Allah. This demonstrates the importance of wisdom in recognizing our errors, seeking forgiveness, and striving to rectify our actions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that wisdom is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about applying that knowledge in a way that leads to righteousness and guidance. It is about making sound judgments and decisions based on moral principles and the teachings of Islam.

Wisdom guides us to choose the right path, to act with justice and compassion, and to make decisions that align with the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It helps us navigate through the challenges and complexities of life, enabling us to lead a righteous and fulfilling existence.

As Muslims, we should strive to seek wisdom in all aspects of our lives. We should continuously seek knowledge, reflect upon it, and apply it in a way that brings us closer to Allah and benefits humanity. May Allah grant us wisdom and guide us to the right path.