Hadith #2990

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, "الحمق يوجب الفضول" which translates to

Foolishness leads to superfluity.

Let us delve into the meaning and significance of this enlightening Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (al-humq) "الحمق" refers to foolishness or ignorance. It is a state of lacking wisdom, understanding, and insight. Foolishness can manifest in various ways, such as making hasty decisions without considering the consequences or failing to seek knowledge and guidance. It is a state that distances one from the path of righteousness and leads to detrimental outcomes.

The word (yujib) "يوجب" means to cause or bring about. It signifies that foolishness inevitably leads to (al-fudul) "الفضول", which can be translated as superfluity or excessiveness. This excessiveness can manifest in various aspects of life, such as excessive spending, excessive indulgence in worldly desires, or excessive involvement in trivial matters. It is a state of imbalance and extravagance, which goes against the teachings of Islam.

To understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the perils of foolishness and its consequences in several verses.

In Surah Al-A'raf (7:179), Allah says,

And certainly, We have created many of the jinn and mankind for Hell. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. They are like cattle; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse highlights the consequences of foolishness and ignorance. Those who lack understanding and fail to utilize their faculties of perception are likened to cattle, wandering aimlessly without guidance. Their ignorance leads them astray and prevents them from attaining true knowledge and wisdom.

In Surah Al-An'am (6:119), Allah says,

And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, 'Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?'

This verse highlights the importance of using wisdom and understanding in the pursuit of justice and righteousness. Foolishness and ignorance can hinder one's ability to recognize and fight against oppression. It is through knowledge and wisdom that one can discern the truth and take appropriate action.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all aspects of life. It emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions and avoiding the pitfalls of foolishness. By cultivating wisdom, we can avoid falling into the trap of superfluity and excessiveness, which can lead to detrimental consequences in both our worldly affairs and our spiritual journey.

Foolishness can lead to wastefulness, extravagance, and a lack of moderation. It can prevent us from fulfilling our duties and responsibilities as Muslims. It can hinder our growth and development, both individually and as a community. By recognizing the dangers of foolishness and striving to acquire knowledge and wisdom, we can navigate through life with prudence and balance.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's statement,

Foolishness leads to superfluity,

serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to seek knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all aspects of life. It highlights the perils of ignorance and the consequences it can bring. By avoiding foolishness and cultivating wisdom, we can lead a balanced and purposeful life, guided by the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge and wisdom and protect us from the pitfalls of ignorance.