Hadith #6412

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, "اِعْتَبِرْ تَزْدَجِرْ۔" This can be translated as,

Take lesson and you will be deterred [from evil].

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (i'tabar) "اِعْتَبِرْ" is derived from the root word (a'bara) "عبر", which means to take heed, to reflect, and to learn from past experiences. It implies the act of contemplating and drawing lessons from the events and incidents that occur in our lives. By doing so, we gain wisdom and understanding, which in turn helps us navigate through the challenges of life.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of taking lessons from the past in the Quran. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:2), Allah says,

He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed. He is the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.

This verse highlights Allah's knowledge of both the seen and unseen, indicating that He is aware of everything that happens in our lives. Therefore, it is crucial for us to reflect on our experiences and seek guidance from Allah's infinite wisdom.

The second part of the Hadith states, (tazdajir) "تَزْدَجِرْ", which can be translated as

you will be deterred [from evil].

This word comes from the root (zajara) "زَجَرَ", which means to be warned, to be admonished, and to be deterred from wrongdoing. It implies that by reflecting on the lessons learned, one becomes cautious and avoids repeating past mistakes or engaging in sinful actions.

The Quran provides numerous examples of individuals who failed to take heed and were consequently led astray. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:66), Allah narrates the story of the Israelites who were commanded to slaughter a cow. Instead of complying with the command, they asked unnecessary questions and displayed disobedience. As a result, they were punished and faced severe consequences. This serves as a reminder for us to learn from their mistake and not to question the commands of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah advises the believers to take lessons from the story of Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and those who were with him. Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his companions stood firm in their faith and were willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of Allah. Their unwavering commitment serves as an inspiration for us to remain steadfast in our beliefs and to learn from their exemplary character.

In light of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that taking lessons from our experiences and the experiences of others is essential for our spiritual growth and development. By reflecting on our past actions, we can identify our weaknesses and strive to improve ourselves. This process of self-reflection enables us to avoid repeating mistakes and to make better choices in the future.

Moreover, taking lessons from the Quran and the stories of the Prophets and righteous individuals helps us gain insight into the consequences of our actions. It serves as a reminder of the rewards and punishments that await us in the Hereafter. By internalizing these lessons, we become more conscious of our behavior and are deterred from engaging in evil deeds.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of taking lessons from our experiences and the experiences of others. By reflecting on our past actions and seeking guidance from the Quran, we can gain wisdom, avoid repeating mistakes, and strive to become better Muslims. May Allah grant us the ability to learn from our past and to continuously seek His guidance.