Hadith #9780

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The cornerstone of wisdom is eschewing deceptions.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word "hikmah" in Arabic refers to wisdom, which encompasses deep understanding, knowledge, and the ability to make sound judgments. It is a quality highly regarded in Islam, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:269)

And whoever is granted wisdom has certainly been given much good

Therefore, wisdom is a virtue that Muslims should strive to attain and cultivate in their lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the cornerstone of wisdom is "tajannub al-khud'a," which can be translated as "eschewing deceptions." The word "tajannub" comes from the root word "janaba," which means to avoid or abstain from something. In this context, it refers to staying away from deceitful practices, falsehoods, and manipulations.

This Hadith reminds us of the importance of honesty, integrity, and sincerity in all aspects of our lives. It encourages us to be truthful and transparent in our dealings with others, as well as in our own self-reflection. By avoiding deception, we uphold the values of justice, fairness, and trustworthiness, which are fundamental principles in Islam.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of eschewing deceptions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:119)

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true

This verse emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with truthful individuals and being truthful ourselves. It highlights the significance of maintaining integrity and avoiding deceitful company.

Another verse that aligns with the Hadith is, (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:42)

And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it]

This verse warns against distorting the truth or hiding it knowingly. It encourages Muslims to be straightforward and honest, even when faced with challenging situations.

By adhering to the principle of eschewing deceptions, we not only cultivate wisdom within ourselves but also contribute to a just and harmonious society. When individuals are truthful and transparent, trust is established, and relationships are built on a solid foundation. Conversely, when deception prevails, it leads to discord, suspicion, and the erosion of trust.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of this principle by referring to it as the cornerstone of wisdom. Just as a cornerstone is essential for the stability and strength of a building, eschewing deceptions is crucial for the development and preservation of wisdom. It serves as a guiding principle that underpins all other aspects of wisdom, such as knowledge, understanding, and sound judgment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of eschewing deceptions as the cornerstone of wisdom. By staying away from deceitful practices and embracing honesty, integrity, and transparency, we not only cultivate wisdom within ourselves but also contribute to a just and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize and avoid deceptions, and may He guide us on the path of truth and righteousness.