Hadith #2725

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

كُلُّ شَيْء يُمِلُّ ما خَلا طَرائِفَ الحِكَمِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Everything leads to weariness except novel wisdom.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (yumillu) "يُمِلُّ" means weariness or fatigue. It refers to the feeling of exhaustion or tedium that one experiences when engaging in repetitive or mundane activities. The word (tara'if) "طَرائِفَ" means novel or fresh. It signifies something new, unique, or innovative. Finally, the word (al-hikam) "الحِكَمِ" means wisdom. It encompasses profound knowledge, insight, and understanding.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:33),

And He is the One who created the night and the day, the sun and the moon; each floating in an orbit.

This verse highlights the repetitive nature of the natural phenomena that Allah has created. The cycle of day and night, the rising and setting of the sun, and the phases of the moon all follow a predictable pattern. This repetition can sometimes lead to weariness or monotony.

However, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), He says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. It emphasizes the value of seeking wisdom and understanding.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that engaging in repetitive or mundane activities can lead to weariness. However, the exception to this weariness is found in the pursuit of novel wisdom. Novel wisdom refers to the continuous acquisition of knowledge, the exploration of new ideas, and the application of innovative thinking. It is the pursuit of wisdom that breaks the cycle of weariness and rejuvenates the mind and soul.

When we apply this Hadith to our daily lives, we realize that it encourages us to seek knowledge and engage in intellectual pursuits. It motivates us to constantly learn, grow, and challenge ourselves. By doing so, we can break free from the monotony of routine and discover new perspectives and insights.

For example, in our professional lives, we may find ourselves stuck in repetitive tasks or routines. This can lead to a sense of weariness and lack of motivation. However, by seeking novel wisdom, such as attending workshops, reading books, or engaging in discussions with experts in our field, we can introduce fresh ideas and approaches to our work. This not only revitalizes our enthusiasm but also enhances our skills and productivity.

Similarly, in our spiritual journey, we may sometimes feel stagnant or disconnected. By seeking novel wisdom through studying the Quran, reflecting on its verses, and seeking guidance from knowledgeable scholars, we can deepen our understanding of our faith and strengthen our relationship with Allah. This pursuit of wisdom brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment to our spiritual lives.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that everything in life can lead to weariness except the pursuit of novel wisdom. By seeking knowledge, exploring new ideas, and applying innovative thinking, we can break free from monotony and rejuvenate our minds and souls. Let us strive to be people of understanding and continuously seek wisdom in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek and benefit from novel wisdom.