Hadith #3009

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

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

الأحمق لا يحسن بالهوان

which translates to

The fool does not improve by being disgraced.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the futility of trying to reform someone who lacks wisdom and understanding. It emphasizes that humiliation or disgrace alone cannot bring about positive change in an individual who is ignorant or foolish.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) addresses the issue of guidance and the response of different individuals to it in several verses.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:6-7)

Indeed, those who disbelieve - it is all the same for them whether you warn them or do not warn them - they will not believe. Allah has set a seal upon their hearts and upon their hearing, and over their vision is a veil. For them is a great punishment.

This verse highlights that some individuals, due to their disbelief and arrogance, are unable to comprehend the truth and guidance. Their hearts are sealed, and they are blind to the signs of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). No matter how much they are warned or humiliated, they will not change their ways.

Similarly, in Surah Al-An'am, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 6:111)

And even if We had sent down to them the angels [with the message] and the dead spoke to them [of it] and We gathered together every [created] thing in front of them, they would not believe unless Allah should will. But most of them, [of that], are ignorant.

This verse emphasizes that even if the disbelievers were to witness extraordinary signs and miracles, they would still not believe unless Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) wills it. Their ignorance and lack of understanding prevent them from accepting the truth.

Drawing from these Quranic verses, we can understand that the fool mentioned in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is someone who is ignorant, arrogant, and resistant to guidance. They are unable to learn from their mistakes or benefit from being disgraced because their hearts and minds are closed off to wisdom and understanding.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that it is futile to expect positive change from such individuals through humiliation alone. Instead, it is important to approach them with patience, wisdom, and guidance, in the hope that they may eventually open their hearts and minds to the truth.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for us as Muslims to be mindful of our own behavior and attitudes. We should strive to acquire knowledge, seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and cultivate humility and open-mindedness. By doing so, we can avoid falling into the category of the fool and instead become individuals who are receptive to improvement and growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true transformation and improvement cannot be achieved through mere disgrace or humiliation. It requires a receptive heart, an open mind, and a willingness to seek knowledge and guidance. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize our own shortcomings and the ability to continuously strive for self-improvement.