Hadith #7212

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

العاقلُ من وَعَظَتْهُ التَّجارِبُ

which translates to

The intelligent person is one who is admonished by experiences.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of learning from our life experiences and using them as a means of guidance and growth.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (the intelligent person) "العاقلُ" refers to someone who possesses wisdom and understanding. It is not merely about intellectual capabilities, but rather a combination of knowledge, insight, and the ability to apply that knowledge effectively. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense wisdom and knowledge, emphasizes the importance of being intelligent in this context.

The word (admonished) "وَعَظَتْهُ" comes from the root word "وَعَظَ" which means to advise, counsel, or admonish. In this Hadith, it signifies the process of learning and gaining wisdom from our experiences. It implies that a truly intelligent person is one who reflects upon their experiences, draws lessons from them, and uses those lessons to guide their future actions.

The word (experiences) "التَّجارِبُ" refers to the trials, challenges, and tests that we encounter in our lives. These experiences can be both positive and negative, and they serve as valuable opportunities for personal growth and development. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that it is through these experiences that we gain wisdom and become truly intelligent.

This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of reflecting upon the signs and lessons in the world around us. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 3:190)

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, there are signs for those of understanding

This verse highlights the importance of observing and reflecting upon the natural world as a means of gaining wisdom and understanding.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, Allah says, (Quran 29:2-3)

Do the people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars

These verses remind us that trials and tests are an integral part of our journey as believers. They serve as a means of purification and a test of our faith. It is through these experiences that we learn and grow, ultimately becoming more intelligent and wise.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to approach our experiences with an open mind and a willingness to learn. When we face challenges, setbacks, or even successes, we should take the time to reflect upon them and extract the valuable lessons they offer. By doing so, we can avoid repeating mistakes, make better decisions, and grow spiritually and intellectually.

For example, if we face a financial loss, we can reflect on the causes and consequences of our actions, learn from our mistakes, and make wiser financial decisions in the future. Similarly, if we experience success, we can reflect on the factors that contributed to it, be grateful to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and use that success as a motivation to continue striving for excellence.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us the importance of being intelligent and wise by learning from our experiences. It reminds us to reflect upon the trials and tests we face in life and extract valuable lessons from them. By doing so, we can grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally, and become better individuals. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to learn from our experiences and guide us on the path of righteousness.