Hadith #832

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

كُنْ بِعَدُوِّكَ العاقِلِ أوثَقَ مِنْكَ بِصَديقِكَ الجاهِلِ

which translates to

Be more confident of your intelligent foe than your ignorant friend.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of discernment and wisdom in our relationships.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (intelligent) "عاقِلِ" refers to someone who possesses intellect, wisdom, and understanding. This individual is rational, capable of critical thinking, and possesses knowledge and insight. On the other hand, (ignorant) "جاهِلِ" refers to someone who lacks knowledge, understanding, and insight. They may act impulsively, without considering the consequences of their actions.

To understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 emphasizes the importance of verifying information and not acting impulsively based on hearsay or assumptions. It encourages us to exercise caution and wisdom when dealing with others, especially those who may have ill intentions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse highlights the significance of seeking knowledge and understanding before making judgments or decisions. It cautions against blindly following others or relying on mere assumptions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement urges us to be cautious and discerning in our relationships. It reminds us that intelligence and wisdom should be valued over blind loyalty or friendship. While it is important to have friends and companions, we should not be swayed by their ignorance or lack of understanding. Instead, we should be more confident in our interactions with those who possess knowledge and insight, even if they may be our adversaries.

This Hadith encourages us to prioritize intellect and wisdom in our relationships. It reminds us that associating with individuals who possess intelligence and understanding can lead to personal growth and development. Conversely, relying on the advice or companionship of ignorant individuals can lead to detrimental consequences.

For example, imagine a situation where you have a friend who constantly encourages you to engage in harmful or unethical activities. Despite their friendship, their ignorance and lack of understanding may lead you astray and cause harm to yourself and others. On the other hand, an intelligent adversary may challenge your beliefs and ideas, forcing you to critically analyze and strengthen your own understanding.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying in this Hadith emphasizes the importance of discernment and wisdom in our relationships. It encourages us to prioritize intelligence and understanding over blind loyalty or friendship. By being more confident in our interactions with intelligent adversaries, we can foster personal growth and development. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern between the intelligent and the ignorant, and may He guide us on the path of knowledge and understanding.