Hadith #4889

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,

تَرْكُ جَوابِ السَّفيهِ أبْلَغُ جَوابِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

Refraining from replying a dimwit is the best reply you can give him.

In this thought-provoking Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of not engaging with foolish individuals. The word (safiy) "سَّفيهِ" refers to someone who lacks intelligence or wisdom. By choosing not to respond to such individuals, one avoids descending to their level and engaging in futile arguments. This approach is not only wise but also serves as a powerful means of conveying a message.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises believers in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199),

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse encourages Muslims to ignore the ignorant and instead focus on promoting goodness and righteousness. By doing so, we uphold the dignity of our faith and avoid wasting our energy on futile arguments.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the righteous servants as those who

walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse highlights the importance of responding to ignorance with patience and peace. It teaches us to maintain our composure and respond with kindness, even in the face of provocation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to refrain from responding to a dimwit is not an endorsement of silence in the face of injustice or falsehood. Rather, it is a reminder to choose our battles wisely and not waste our time and energy on futile arguments with those who lack understanding. By doing so, we preserve our own peace of mind and avoid falling into the trap of engaging in fruitless debates.

This teaching has profound implications in our daily lives. In our interactions with others, we may come across individuals who are ignorant or intentionally provocative. Instead of getting entangled in their web of ignorance, we should exercise wisdom and choose not to respond. This does not mean we should ignore their harmful actions or beliefs, but rather, we should find more effective ways to address and counter them.

By refraining from engaging with a dimwit, we demonstrate our maturity, patience, and wisdom. We prioritize our own growth and the betterment of society over futile arguments. This approach also allows us to redirect our energy towards more productive endeavors, such as seeking knowledge, promoting unity, and engaging in acts of kindness and compassion.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith teaches us the importance of not responding to the foolish and ignorant. This advice aligns with the Quranic teachings of turning away from the ignorant and responding with patience and peace. By choosing not to engage with dimwits, we preserve our own peace of mind, avoid wasting our energy, and prioritize more productive endeavors. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and navigate our interactions with grace and wisdom.