Hadith #2153

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

الرأي كثير، والحزم قليل

which translates to

Views are many but foresight is little.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the prevalence of differing opinions and perspectives, while also emphasizing the scarcity of true wisdom and insight.

The word (ra'i) "رأي" refers to opinions, viewpoints, or thoughts. It signifies the diversity of ideas and perspectives that exist among people. On the other hand, the word (hazm) "حزم" denotes foresight, decisiveness, or firmness of judgment. It represents the ability to make sound and wise decisions based on careful consideration and deep understanding.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us 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 seeking knowledge before forming opinions or making judgments. It cautions against hasty decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate information.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:43), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises the believers,

And know that anything you obtain of war booty - then indeed, for Allah is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and the orphans, the needy, and the [stranded] traveler, if you have believed in Allah and in that which We sent down to Our Servant on the day of criterion - the day when the two armies met. And Allah, over all things, is competent.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking guidance from Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) in matters of decision-making. It emphasizes the need for wisdom and foresight in distributing resources and making just choices.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that while there may be numerous opinions and viewpoints, not all of them are based on true wisdom and foresight. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to seek knowledge, consult with experts, and consider the consequences of their decisions before forming opinions or taking action.

For example, in matters of governance, it is crucial to consider the long-term effects of policies and decisions on society as a whole. Rash and impulsive decisions can lead to chaos and instability, while thoughtful and well-informed choices can bring about positive change and progress.

Similarly, in personal relationships, it is important to exercise wisdom and foresight in resolving conflicts and making decisions. By seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can navigate through challenges with patience, understanding, and fairness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a reminder to avoid falling into the trap of following popular opinions without critical thinking. It encourages Muslims to seek knowledge, reflect on the teachings of Islam, and make informed decisions based on the principles of justice, compassion, and wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Views are many but foresight is little

reminds us of the prevalence of differing opinions and the scarcity of true wisdom and insight. It urges Muslims to seek knowledge, consult with experts, and consider the consequences of their decisions before forming opinions or taking action. By doing so, we can navigate through life with wisdom, justice, and compassion, in accordance with the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to make wise and informed decisions, and may He guide us on the straight path.