Hadith #4885

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,

أعْيى ما يَكُونُ الحَكيمُ إذا خاطَبَ سَفيهاً۔

This can be translated as,

The wise person gets most fatigued when he speaks to a dimwit.

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the challenge faced by a wise person when engaging in conversation with someone who lacks understanding or intellect.

To fully comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (A'ya) "أعْيى" refers to extreme fatigue or weariness. It signifies the mental and emotional exhaustion that a wise person experiences when dealing with a person of limited intellect. The term (Hakeem) "حَكيمُ" refers to someone who possesses wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. And (Safiyah) "سَفيهاً" refers to a dimwit or a foolish person who lacks intelligence or comprehension.

To support the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:5),

The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not take it on is like that of a donkey who carries volumes [of books].

This verse illustrates the futility of conveying knowledge to those who are unwilling or unable to comprehend it. Just as a donkey carries books without gaining any knowledge from them, a wise person may find it exhausting to communicate with someone who lacks understanding.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:171), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against engaging in futile arguments with those who are ignorant. The verse states,

The example of those who disbelieve is like that of one who shouts at what hears nothing but calls and cries cattle or sheep - deaf, dumb and blind, so they do not understand.

This verse emphasizes the futility of engaging in meaningful dialogue with those who are spiritually deaf, intellectually blind, and emotionally insensitive.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the energy and effort they invest in conversations. It encourages us to prioritize our interactions and engage in meaningful discussions with those who are receptive to knowledge and understanding. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary fatigue and focus our efforts on fruitful exchanges that contribute to personal growth and the betterment of society.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his exceptional wisdom and knowledge, and he demonstrated the importance of acquiring and applying knowledge throughout his life. As Muslims, we should strive to follow in his footsteps by seeking knowledge, nurturing our intellect, and engaging in conversations that promote growth and enlightenment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the challenges faced by wise individuals when communicating with those who lack understanding or intellect. It encourages us to prioritize our interactions and engage in meaningful conversations that contribute to personal growth and the betterment of society. By seeking knowledge and understanding, we can emulate the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to be individuals who contribute positively to our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us wisdom and understanding in our interactions and bless us with the ability to convey knowledge effectively.