Hadith #2719

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The lost possession of an intelligent person is wisdom, so he is more entitled to it wherever it may be.

This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the importance of wisdom and highlights the significance of seeking knowledge and understanding.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (dallatu) "ضالَّةُ" refers to a lost possession or something that has been misplaced. In this context, it symbolizes the absence or lack of wisdom. The term (al-'aqil) "العاقِلِ" refers to an intelligent or wise person, someone who possesses the ability to think critically and make sound judgments. And finally, (al-hikmah) "الحِكْمَةُ" refers to wisdom, which encompasses deep understanding, insight, and the ability to apply knowledge in a practical and beneficial manner.

To comprehend the significance of wisdom, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269:

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom is indeed given a great good.

This verse highlights that wisdom is a divine gift bestowed upon those whom Allah chooses. It is a treasure that brings immense goodness and blessings to the possessor.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 14, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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.'

This incident from the story of Prophet Moses (Musa) highlights the importance of wisdom in making decisions. Moses, being a wise and intelligent person, recognized the evil intentions of Satan and realized that his action was a result of Satan's influence. This demonstrates how wisdom enables one to discern between right and wrong, and to make choices that align with the teachings of Allah.

Imam Ali's statement emphasizes that wisdom is the lost possession of an intelligent person. This implies that wisdom is not something that can be acquired easily or taken for granted. It requires effort, seeking knowledge, and reflecting upon it. The intelligent person, due to his intellect and understanding, recognizes the value of wisdom and actively seeks it wherever it may be found.

The consequences of lacking wisdom are significant. Without wisdom, a person may make poor decisions, act impulsively, and be easily swayed by emotions or external influences. This can lead to detrimental outcomes in both personal and societal matters. On the other hand, possessing wisdom enables one to navigate through life's challenges with clarity, make informed choices, and contribute positively to society.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize seeking wisdom and knowledge. It encourages us to be proactive in acquiring knowledge from various sources, including the Quran, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and the wisdom of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It motivates us to engage in critical thinking, reflection, and contemplation in order to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of wisdom as the lost possession of an intelligent person. It urges Muslims to actively seek wisdom and knowledge, recognizing its immense value in making sound decisions and leading a purposeful life. By prioritizing the acquisition of wisdom, we can navigate through life's challenges with clarity and contribute positively to the betterment of ourselves and society as a whole. May Allah grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and understand His guidance.