Hadith #2170

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,

مِنَ الحَزْمِ حِفْظُ التَّجْرِبَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

Preserving [the lessons learnt from] experience is from judiciousness.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (hazm) "حَزْمِ" refers to determination, decisiveness, and firmness. It implies the ability to make sound judgments and take resolute actions. (hifz) "حِفْظُ" means to preserve, protect, and safeguard. It signifies the act of retaining and cherishing something valuable. And (at-tajriba) "التَّجْرِبَةِ" refers to experience, the knowledge gained through practical encounters and trials.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of learning from experience and preserving its lessons in several ayats.

In Surah Al-A'raf (7:69), Allah says,

Do you wonder that there has come to you a reminder from your Lord through a man from among you, that he may warn you and that you may fear Allah so that you might receive mercy?

This ayat highlights the role of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as a reminder and warner, guiding the believers towards the path of righteousness. The Prophet's (ﷺ) teachings were based on his own experiences and the divine revelations he received. By preserving and implementing these lessons, Muslims can attain the mercy of Allah.

Another relevant ayat is found in Surah Al-Hashr (59:7), where Allah says,

And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This ayat emphasizes the importance of following the guidance of the Messenger (ﷺ) and his near relatives, who possess the wisdom gained from their experiences. By preserving and implementing their teachings, Muslims can avoid falling into the traps of materialism and injustice.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. Preserving the lessons learnt from experience is an essential aspect of judiciousness. It involves recognizing the value of past experiences, both personal and collective, and drawing wisdom from them. By doing so, we can make informed decisions, avoid repeating mistakes, and navigate through the challenges of life with wisdom and foresight.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his profound knowledge and wisdom. His experiences, both on the battlefield and in matters of governance, shaped his understanding of the world. He faced numerous trials and tribulations, yet he persevered and emerged as a beacon of guidance for all Muslims. His teachings and insights, preserved in his sayings and actions, serve as a valuable source of guidance for Muslims of all generations.

By preserving the lessons learnt from experience, we can avoid falling into the same pitfalls and make better choices in our personal and communal lives. This requires introspection, reflection, and a willingness to learn from both our successes and failures. It also entails seeking knowledge from reliable sources, such as the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of preserving the lessons learnt from experience. By doing so, we can embody the quality of judiciousness and make wise decisions in our lives. Let us strive to learn from the experiences of those who came before us, and seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny. May Allah grant us the wisdom to recognize the value of experience and the ability to apply its lessons in our lives.