Hadith #2743

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "قَدْ يَزِلُّ الحَكِيمُ۔" which translates to

A wise person may [at times also] make a mistake.

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

The word (hakim) "حَكِيمُ" in this Hadith refers to a wise person, someone who possesses deep knowledge and understanding. This person is known for their wisdom, prudence, and ability to make sound judgments. However, the Hadith reminds us that even the wisest of individuals are not infallible and may occasionally make mistakes.

This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Anfal (8:53),

That is because Allah would not change a favor which He had bestowed upon a people until they change what is within themselves.

This verse highlights the fact that even the blessings and guidance bestowed upon us by Allah can be lost if we deviate from the right path. It serves as a reminder that even the most knowledgeable and pious individuals can falter if they do not remain steadfast in their faith.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, you [O Muhammad] do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse emphasizes that guidance ultimately comes from Allah alone. It implies that even the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), the epitome of wisdom and guidance, did not have control over the hearts of people. It is a reminder that despite the wisdom and efforts of the Prophet and his successors, individuals have the free will to accept or reject guidance.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a humbling reminder for all Muslims. It teaches us that even the most knowledgeable and wise individuals are not immune to making mistakes. It encourages us to approach matters with humility, recognizing our own fallibility and seeking forgiveness from Allah when we err.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and continuously striving to improve ourselves. It reminds us that wisdom is not a static state, but rather a lifelong journey of learning and growth. By acknowledging our mistakes and learning from them, we can become wiser individuals and make better decisions in the future.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a source of comfort for those who may feel disheartened by their own mistakes. It reminds us that even the most wise and knowledgeable individuals are not perfect. It encourages us to be compassionate towards ourselves and others, recognizing that making mistakes is a natural part of the human experience.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that wisdom does not guarantee infallibility. It encourages us to approach matters with humility, seek knowledge, and learn from our mistakes. It serves as a reminder that guidance ultimately comes from Allah, and that even the most wise and knowledgeable individuals are subject to human fallibility. May Allah grant us the wisdom to recognize our mistakes, seek forgiveness, and continuously strive for self-improvement.