Hadith #7216

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The intelligent person is one who takes a lesson from [the experiences of] others.

This enlightening Hadith highlights the importance of learning from the mistakes and experiences of others in order to attain wisdom and guidance in our own lives.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (‘aaqil) "عاقل" refers to an individual who possesses intellect, wisdom, and the ability to discern between right and wrong. This person is not only knowledgeable but also applies their knowledge in practical situations. The word (itta’aza) "اتَّعَظَ" means to take a lesson or admonition. It implies that the intelligent person is one who learns from the experiences, mistakes, and successes of others.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, reflecting on the stories of the past, and learning from the experiences of others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:44),

And remember when you said, 'O Moses, we will never believe you until we see Allah outright'; so the thunderbolt took you while you were looking on.

This verse narrates the story of the Children of Israel who witnessed the punishment of Allah upon themselves due to their disbelief. It serves as a reminder for us to learn from their mistake and not to demand physical evidence from Allah.

Another example from the Quran is the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). In Surah Yusuf (12:7), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Certainly, there are lessons in their stories for people of understanding. This is not a fabricated tale but a confirmation of what came before it, a detailed explanation of all things, and guidance and mercy for people who believe.

This verse highlights the importance of reflecting on the stories of the past and extracting valuable lessons from them.

By taking a lesson from the experiences of others, we can avoid repeating their mistakes and make better choices in our own lives. For example, if we observe someone who has suffered the consequences of dishonesty, we can learn the importance of honesty and integrity in our own dealings. Similarly, if we witness the success of someone who has worked hard and remained steadfast in their faith, we can be motivated to emulate their dedication and perseverance.

The consequences of not learning from the experiences of others can be detrimental. In Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the importance of treating non-Muslims with justice and fairness, even if they may hold different beliefs. Failing to understand this can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a negative perception of Islam.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that intelligence is not merely limited to acquiring knowledge but also includes the ability to learn from the experiences of others. By doing so, we can avoid pitfalls, gain wisdom, and make informed decisions. As Muslims, it is essential for us to seek knowledge, reflect on the teachings of the Quran, and learn from the experiences of those who came before us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the intelligence to benefit from the lessons of others and guide us on the path of righteousness.