Hadith #2723

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

قَدْ يَقُولُ الحِكْمَةَ غَيْرُ الحَكيمِ۔

This can be translated as,

Sometimes words of wisdom may be uttered by one who is not wise.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the fact that wisdom is not limited to those who are recognized as wise individuals. It emphasizes that wisdom can be found in unexpected places and can be expressed by anyone, regardless of their perceived level of wisdom or knowledge.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (hikmah) "حِكْمَةَ" refers to wisdom, which encompasses deep understanding, insight, and the ability to make sound judgments. It is a quality highly praised in the Quran, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 269,

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom is indeed given a great good.

On the other hand, the word (hakeem) "حَكيمِ" refers to someone who possesses wisdom, knowledge, and the ability to apply it in a practical manner. It is a title given to those who are recognized for their deep understanding and wise decisions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is often referred to as (Al-Hakeem) "الحَكِيمُ", the All-Wise, highlighting His infinite wisdom and knowledge.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find support for the message conveyed in this Hadith. In Surah Luqman, Ayah 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you whatever is on the earth and the ships which run through the sea by His command? And He restrains the sky from falling upon the earth, unless by His permission. Indeed, Allah is to the people Kind and Merciful.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has granted humans the ability to acquire knowledge and wisdom from the world around them. It shows that wisdom can be found in the natural order of the universe, and it is not limited to a select few.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, Ayah 14, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) narrates the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his encounter with a man from the city who sought his help. Although this man was not considered wise or knowledgeable by the people of his city, he uttered words of wisdom that guided Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and helped him in his journey. This story serves as a powerful example of how wisdom can come from unexpected sources, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) stated in the Hadith.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound implications for us as Muslims. It reminds us to be open-minded and receptive to wisdom, regardless of its source. We should not dismiss the words of others simply because they do not fit our preconceived notions of wisdom. Instead, we should strive to seek knowledge and wisdom from all avenues, recognizing that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) can inspire wisdom in the hearts of individuals who may not possess formal education or recognized expertise.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on our own words and actions. It reminds us that even if we do not consider ourselves wise, we can still strive to speak words of wisdom and make decisions based on sound judgment. We should not underestimate the impact our words can have on others, as even a single wise statement can inspire and guide those around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that wisdom is not confined to those who are recognized as wise individuals. It can be found in unexpected places and expressed by anyone, regardless of their perceived level of wisdom or knowledge. We should be open-minded and receptive to wisdom, regardless of its source, and strive to speak words of wisdom and make decisions based on sound judgment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek and embody wisdom in our lives.