Hadith #2171

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,

مِنَ الحَزْمِ صِحَّةُ العَزْمِ۔

This can be translated as,

Genuine determination comes from judiciousness.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran.

The word (hazm) "حَزْمِ" in this Hadith refers to determination, resolve, or firmness. It implies having a strong will and unwavering commitment towards a goal. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that genuine determination is not merely about being stubborn or inflexible, but it stems from (sihhah al-azm) "صِحَّةُ العَزْمِ", which can be translated as judiciousness or wisdom in decision-making.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights the importance of wisdom and righteousness in our actions and decisions. It reminds us that true nobility lies in piety and righteousness, not in arrogance or stubbornness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

This verse emphasizes that wisdom is a gift from Allah, and it is bestowed upon those who possess understanding. It is through this wisdom that genuine determination is nurtured.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that genuine determination is not blind stubbornness, but rather it is rooted in wisdom and sound judgment. It is the ability to make informed decisions based on knowledge, experience, and understanding. A person with genuine determination does not rush into hasty actions or make impulsive choices. Instead, they carefully consider the consequences and weigh the options before taking a firm stance.

For example, during the Battle of Khandaq (the Trench), when the Muslim community was facing a severe threat from their enemies, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) demonstrated his genuine determination. He proposed digging a trench as a defensive strategy, which was initially met with skepticism by some companions. However, Imam Ali's wisdom and judiciousness prevailed, and the trench proved to be a crucial factor in the victory of the Muslims.

This Hadith reminds us that genuine determination is not about being rigid or obstinate, but it is about making wise choices and being steadfast in the face of challenges. It encourages us to seek knowledge, reflect on our decisions, and consider the long-term consequences before taking action. Genuine determination is not easily swayed by external pressures or temporary setbacks. It is rooted in a deep understanding of the situation and a firm commitment to righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that genuine determination comes from judiciousness. It is not about being stubborn or inflexible, but it is about making wise choices based on knowledge and understanding. This Hadith aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of wisdom and righteousness in our actions and decisions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to cultivate genuine determination in our lives.