Hadith #246

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

When the utterance of the wise is to the point it serves as a cure, but if it is wrong it proves like an illness.

This wise utterance highlights the importance of wisdom and the power it holds in shaping our lives and society.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (hukama) "حُكَمَاءِ" refers to the wise individuals who possess deep knowledge, understanding, and insight. These wise individuals are not only knowledgeable but also possess the ability to apply their knowledge effectively. Their words carry weight and significance.

The word (sawaban) "صَوَاباً" means correctness or accuracy. It signifies that the words of the wise are not only true but also aligned with the principles and values of Islam. When the utterance of the wise is in accordance with the truth, it becomes a source of healing and remedy for the problems and challenges faced by individuals and society as a whole.

On the other hand, the word (khata'an) "خَطَأً" refers to error or mistake. It implies that if the words of the wise are incorrect or deviate from the truth, they become like an illness, causing harm and confusion. It is crucial to recognize that even the most knowledgeable individuals can make mistakes, and it is our responsibility to critically evaluate their words in light of the Quran and authentic teachings of Islam.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269, Allah says,

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and he to whom wisdom is granted indeed receives a benefit overflowing.

This verse highlights that wisdom is a divine gift that brings immense benefits to those who possess it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 14, Allah narrates the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and describes him as

one of the chosen ones, and We bestowed upon him wisdom and knowledge.

This verse demonstrates that wisdom is a quality bestowed upon the chosen individuals by Allah Himself.

The Quran also warns against following those who speak without knowledge or wisdom. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 36, Allah says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and discerning when accepting the words of others as truth.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we realize the immense responsibility that lies upon the wise individuals to speak with accuracy and truth. Their words have the potential to heal and guide, but they also have the power to mislead and cause harm. It is incumbent upon Muslims to critically evaluate the words of the wise, comparing them to the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Moreover, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom ourselves. We should strive to acquire deep understanding and insight, enabling us to differentiate between true wisdom and mere rhetoric. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from falling into the trap of false teachings and misguided individuals.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of wisdom and the impact it has on our lives. The words of the wise, when aligned with truth, serve as a cure for our problems and challenges. However, if their words deviate from the truth, they can prove to be harmful. It is our duty as Muslims to seek knowledge, critically evaluate the words of the wise, and always refer back to the Quran and the authentic teachings of Islam for guidance. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us wisdom and understanding.