Hadith #4884

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, "لَيْسَ السَّفَهُ كَالحِلْمِ۔" This can be translated as,

Dimwittedness is not like intelligence.

In this amazing Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the stark contrast between foolishness and wisdom.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (safah) "سَفَهُ" refers to foolishness, stupidity, or dimwittedness. It signifies a lack of understanding, insight, and rationality. On the other hand, the word (hilm) "حِلْمِ" refers to intelligence, wisdom, and forbearance. It represents the ability to think critically, make sound judgments, and exercise patience in the face of challenges.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of wisdom and knowledge throughout the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:30)

And [recall] when your Lord said to the angels, 'Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.' They said, 'Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?' Allah said, 'Indeed, I know that which you do not know.'

This verse highlights the superiority of knowledge and wisdom over ignorance and foolishness. Allah's knowledge surpasses that of the angels, and it is through knowledge that He establishes His authority on earth. Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah says, (Quran 31:12)

And We had certainly given Luqman wisdom [and said], 'Be grateful to Allah.' And whoever is grateful is grateful for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever denies [His favor] - then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

Here, Allah praises Luqman for his wisdom and advises gratitude as a result. This demonstrates that wisdom is a gift from Allah that brings numerous benefits to an individual and society as a whole.

Now, let us reflect on the implications of Imam Ali's statement. By stating that

Dimwittedness is not like intelligence,

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the stark contrast between the two. He highlights that foolishness and intelligence are not interchangeable or equal in any way.

Foolishness leads to poor decision-making, lack of understanding, and the inability to comprehend the consequences of one's actions. It can result in harmful outcomes for both the individual and society. On the other hand, intelligence enables individuals to make informed choices, seek knowledge, and contribute positively to their communities.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for wisdom and knowledge. It encourages us to seek understanding, critically analyze situations, and make informed decisions based on the teachings of Islam. By cultivating intelligence, we can contribute positively to our communities, promote justice, and uphold the values of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the stark contrast between foolishness and intelligence. It urges us to seek wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in order to make informed decisions and contribute positively to our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to acquire intelligence and wisdom, and may we always strive to embody the teachings of Islam.