Hadith #2150

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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, "الحزم حفظ التجربة" which translates to

Judiciousness is preserving the [lessons learned through] experience.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of learning from our experiences and using that knowledge to make wise and informed decisions.

The word (hazm) "حزم" in this Hadith refers to judiciousness or prudence. It implies the ability to carefully consider the consequences of one's actions and make wise choices based on past experiences. It encompasses qualities such as wisdom, foresight, and the ability to make sound judgments.

The phrase (hifz al-tajriba) "حفظ التجربة" means preserving or safeguarding the lessons learned through experience. It emphasizes the importance of not forgetting the valuable insights gained from our past encounters and using them as a guide for future actions.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the significance of learning from our experiences and using that knowledge to make informed decisions. For example, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah says,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse encourages us to reflect on our past actions and consider their consequences before making decisions for the future.

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

And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. 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. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse highlights the importance of using our faculties of understanding, observation, and hearing to gain wisdom from our experiences and avoid repeating past mistakes.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that judiciousness is not merely about making decisions based on theoretical knowledge, but also about incorporating the lessons learned from our practical experiences. It encourages us to reflect on our past actions, both successes, and failures, and use that knowledge to make informed choices in the present and future.

By preserving the lessons learned through experience, we can avoid repeating the same mistakes and make better decisions that align with the teachings of Islam. This Hadith also highlights the importance of continuous learning and growth as Muslims. It reminds us that knowledge is not limited to books and formal education but can also be gained through personal experiences and reflections.

For example, if we have made a mistake in the past due to a lack of patience, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our impatience and learn to exercise patience in similar situations in the future. By doing so, we can avoid repeating the same mistake and strive to improve ourselves as Muslims.

Furthermore, this Hadith also emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The Quran is a comprehensive guide that provides us with timeless wisdom and lessons from the experiences of previous generations. By studying the Quran and reflecting on its teachings, we can gain valuable insights that can help us make wise decisions and navigate through the challenges of life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of judiciousness and preserving the lessons learned through experience. It reminds us to reflect on our past actions, learn from our successes and failures, and use that knowledge to make informed decisions in the present and future. By doing so, we can strive to become better Muslims and lead a life that is guided by wisdom and understanding. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice judiciousness and seek knowledge from our experiences.