Hadith #2195

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

Many a young person is more judicious than an old person.

This Hadith emphasizes the idea that wisdom and intelligence are not solely determined by age, but can also be found in the younger generation. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (sagheer) "صَغِير" in Arabic refers to someone who is young or small in age. It signifies the youthfulness and vitality of an individual. On the other hand, the word (kabeer) "كَبِير" refers to someone who is old or advanced in age. It represents the experience and wisdom that comes with age. The Hadith highlights that despite the general assumption that older people possess more wisdom, there are instances where young individuals can exhibit greater intellect and sagacity.

This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that knowledge and wisdom are not limited to a specific age group. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:65-66), Allah narrates the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and Khidr (a wise servant of Allah), where Khidr performs actions that seem unjust to Musa. When Musa questions Khidr's actions, Khidr responds by saying, (18:68)

Indeed, with me, you will never be able to have patience. And how can you have patience for what you do not encompass in knowledge?

This verse illustrates that knowledge and wisdom can come from unexpected sources, even from those who are younger or less experienced.

Furthermore, in Surah Yusuf (12:37-38), we find the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) and his brothers. Despite being the youngest among them, Yusuf possessed exceptional wisdom and insight. His brothers acknowledged this when they said, (12:8)

Indeed, Yusuf and his brother are more beloved to our father than we, while we are a clan. Indeed, our father is in clear error

This verse demonstrates that age does not necessarily determine one's level of wisdom or intelligence.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should not underestimate the intellectual capabilities of the younger generation. It encourages us to value and respect the opinions and insights of young individuals, as they may possess unique perspectives and innovative ideas that can contribute positively to society.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of continuous learning and personal growth. It reminds us that wisdom is not a static attribute that is solely acquired through age, but rather a dynamic quality that can be cultivated through knowledge and experience. Muslims should strive to seek knowledge throughout their lives, regardless of their age, and remain open to learning from individuals of all age groups.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that wisdom and intelligence are not solely determined by age, but can also be found in the younger generation. It reminds us to value the insights and perspectives of young individuals, and to continuously seek knowledge throughout our lives. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize and appreciate the intellectual abilities of all Muslims, regardless of their age.