Hadith #4274

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, "بِئْسَ الاِسْتِعْدادُ الاِستِبْدادُ۔" This can be translated as,

How bad a disposition opinionatedness [and arbitrariness] is!

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of having a stubborn and authoritarian mindset.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us reflect upon the key words used. The word (istia'dad) "اِسْتِعْدادُ" refers to readiness or preparation, while (istibdad) "اِستِبْدادُ" means opinionatedness or arbitrariness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the harmful nature of being rigid in one's opinions and imposing them on others without considering their perspectives.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of humility, open-mindedness, and seeking knowledge. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6),

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse encourages Muslims to verify information and not rush to judgment, highlighting the need for open-mindedness and intellectual humility.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us the importance of seeking knowledge and being receptive to different perspectives. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

This verse reminds us that true wisdom comes from Allah, and those who possess it are open to diverse opinions and are willing to learn from others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his vast knowledge and intellectual humility. His famous saying,

I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate,

reflects his deep understanding and willingness to listen to different perspectives. He would carefully consider the opinions of others before making a decision, recognizing the importance of inclusivity and consultation.

The consequences of having an opinionated and authoritarian mindset can be detrimental to individuals and society as a whole. It can lead to division, conflict, and the suppression of diverse voices. When people are unwilling to listen to others and impose their own views without considering alternative perspectives, it hinders intellectual growth and stifles progress.

On the other hand, adopting a humble and open-minded approach allows for the exchange of ideas, encourages critical thinking, and fosters a harmonious society. It enables individuals to grow intellectually and spiritually, as they are willing to learn from others and expand their knowledge.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid opinionatedness and arbitrariness. It encourages us to be open-minded, seek knowledge, and consider different perspectives. By doing so, we can foster unity, intellectual growth, and a society that values inclusivity and consultation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).