Hadith #2716

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Take wisdom from wherever it may be, for verily wisdom is the lost property of every believer.

This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking and acquiring wisdom, regardless of its source. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hikmah) "حِكْمَةَ" in this Hadith refers to wisdom, which encompasses knowledge, understanding, and the ability to apply knowledge in a beneficial manner. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses both religious and worldly wisdom. The word (dallat) "ضالَّةُ" means lost or misplaced property. Here, it symbolizes the fact that wisdom is not limited to a specific group or individual, but rather it is available to every believer.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9),

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. It encourages Muslims to seek knowledge and recognize its value.

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

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

This verse emphasizes that wisdom is a divine gift bestowed upon individuals by Allah. It is not limited to a specific group or lineage, but rather it is granted to those whom Allah chooses.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to seek wisdom from any source, regardless of its origin. This is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of acquiring knowledge from various avenues. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:7),

And We sent not before you, [O Muhammad], except men to whom We revealed [the message], so ask the people of the message if you do not know.

This verse instructs the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to seek knowledge from those who possess it, regardless of their background or beliefs.

By encouraging Muslims to seek wisdom from all sources, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) promotes a spirit of open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity. It reminds us that knowledge is not confined to a specific group or sect, but rather it is a universal treasure that can be found in various places. This approach fosters unity and cooperation among Muslims, as it encourages them to learn from one another and benefit from each other's wisdom.

Moreover, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) has profound implications for personal growth and development. It motivates believers to constantly seek knowledge and wisdom, as they are essential tools for navigating through the complexities of life. By actively seeking wisdom, individuals can enhance their understanding of the world, make informed decisions, and contribute positively to society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the importance of seeking wisdom from all sources. It encourages an open-minded approach to knowledge acquisition and emphasizes that wisdom is not limited to a specific group or individual. By seeking wisdom, believers can enhance their understanding of the world, make informed decisions, and contribute positively to society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and apply it in a manner that pleases Him.