Hadith #6165

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Al-Dhafar bil-hazm, wal-hazm bil-tajareb.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of prudence and experience in achieving victory. Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word "dhafar" refers to victory or success, which can be attained through various means. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that the most effective way to achieve victory is through "hazm," which can be translated as prudence, wisdom, or careful consideration. Prudence involves making well-informed decisions, taking into account the potential consequences and weighing the available options. It is a quality that enables individuals to navigate challenges and obstacles with wisdom and foresight.

The second part of the Hadith states that prudence is acquired through "tajareb," which means experience. Experience plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's judgment and decision-making abilities. Through firsthand encounters with different situations and circumstances, one gains valuable insights and learns from their successes and failures. Experience allows individuals to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them, enabling them to make more informed choices.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the wisdom behind this Hadith. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of prudence and patience in times of difficulty. By exercising prudence, individuals can avoid unnecessary disputes and maintain their strength and resolve.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse highlights the importance of prudence in managing one's responsibilities and challenges. By being prudent and making wise choices, individuals can effectively handle the burdens placed upon them.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of prudence and experience in our lives. It teaches us that victory is not merely achieved through blind actions or impulsive decisions, but rather through careful consideration and wisdom. By reflecting on the consequences of our choices and learning from our experiences, we can navigate the challenges of life with greater success.

For example, in the Battle of Uhud, the Muslims initially gained the upper hand but were later defeated due to a lack of prudence and experience. Some of the companions, out of eagerness for victory, left their positions, which led to a strategic disadvantage. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prudence and the need to consider the long-term consequences of our actions.

In our personal lives, we can apply the teachings of this Hadith by seeking knowledge and actively seeking experiences that broaden our understanding. By learning from our mistakes and successes, we can develop the prudence necessary to make informed decisions and achieve success in various aspects of life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of prudence and experience in attaining victory. By exercising prudence and learning from our experiences, we can make wise decisions and navigate the challenges of life with success. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and insight to apply these teachings in our lives.