Hadith #3003

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The fool is a stranger in his [own] hometown, [and is] humiliated among his near ones.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of foolishness and the resulting isolation and humiliation that one may face.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ahmaq) "أحمق" refers to a foolish or ignorant person. This individual lacks wisdom, understanding, and discernment in their actions and decisions. The term (ghareeb) "غريب" means a stranger or an outsider. It signifies a sense of alienation and detachment from one's own community or surroundings. Lastly, (muhann) "مهان" denotes humiliation or disgrace. It signifies the degradation and dishonor that befalls the fool among their close ones.

To further comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-A'raf (7:179),

And certainly, We have created many of the jinn and mankind for Hell. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. They are like cattle; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse emphasizes the consequences of ignorance and foolishness. Those who lack understanding and insight are likened to cattle, wandering aimlessly without guidance. They are unable to comprehend the truth and are thus isolated from the blessings and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Additionally, in Surah Al-Jathiyah (45:23), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Have you seen he who has taken as his god his [own] desire, and Allah has sent him astray due to knowledge and has set a seal upon his hearing and his heart and put over his vision a veil? So who will guide him after Allah? Then will you not be reminded?

This verse highlights the consequences of following one's desires without knowledge and understanding. Such individuals are led astray by their own ignorance, and their hearts and minds are sealed off from guidance. They are left in a state of isolation and humiliation, unable to perceive the truth and find their way back to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in order to avoid the pitfalls of ignorance and foolishness. By acquiring knowledge, we can avoid being strangers in our own communities and being humiliated among our loved ones. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings continue to guide and inspire Muslims to this day.

Foolishness leads to isolation and humiliation, as one's actions and decisions are not based on sound judgment and understanding. It is essential for Muslims to seek knowledge and strive for wisdom in all aspects of life. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of ignorance and foolishness, and instead, be guided towards success and honor in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge and wisdom, and protect us from the consequences of ignorance.