Hadith #1682

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ قَلَّتْ تَجْرِبَتُهُ خُدِعَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who lacks experience is [easily] deceived.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of experience in protecting oneself from deception and manipulation.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (tajribatuhu) "تَجْرِبَتُهُ" refers to one's experience or practical knowledge gained through personal encounters and trials. It encompasses the wisdom and insights acquired through facing various situations in life. The word (khudia) "خُدِعَ" means to be deceived, tricked, or misled.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom in several verses. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:22), Allah says,

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.

This verse highlights the importance of using reason and intellect to gain knowledge and understanding.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah states,

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

This verse emphasizes the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who lack it. It highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and gaining experience to avoid being deceived or misled.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to actively seek knowledge and gain practical experience in order to protect themselves from deception. When one lacks experience, they are more vulnerable to manipulation and deceit. By acquiring knowledge and wisdom, individuals can make informed decisions and avoid falling into traps set by those with ill intentions.

For example, in the realm of financial matters, a person who lacks experience may be easily deceived by fraudulent schemes promising quick wealth. However, someone with knowledge and experience in financial matters would be able to discern the authenticity of such schemes and protect themselves from being deceived.

Furthermore, this Hadith also highlights the importance of seeking guidance from knowledgeable individuals. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. Muslims are encouraged to seek guidance from scholars and individuals who possess deep understanding and experience in various aspects of life.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to actively seek knowledge and gain practical experience in order to protect themselves from deception and manipulation. By acquiring wisdom and understanding, individuals can make informed decisions and navigate through life's challenges with clarity and discernment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge and protect ourselves from deception.