Hadith #1555

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 progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

رُبَّما أخْطَأ البَصيرُ رُشْدَهُ۔

This translates to:

Sometimes the one who can see [also] loses his way.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the fact that even those who possess knowledge and insight can sometimes make mistakes or deviate from the right path.

To better understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (basir) "بَصير" refers to someone who possesses insight, understanding, and the ability to perceive the truth. It is derived from the root word (basara) "بَصَرَ", which means to see or to perceive. The word (rushdahu) "رُشْدَهُ" is derived from the root word (rashada) "رَشَدَ", which means guidance or the right path.

This Hadith reminds us that even those who possess deep understanding and insight can sometimes lose their way. It serves as a reminder that knowledge alone is not enough to guarantee guidance and righteousness. It is possible for someone who possesses knowledge to make mistakes, deviate from the truth, or be led astray by their own desires or external influences.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the message of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (Quran 4:174)

O mankind, there has come to you a conclusive proof from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light. So those who believe in Allah and hold fast to Him - He will admit them to mercy from Himself and bounty and guide them to Himself on a straight path.

This verse emphasizes that true guidance comes from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and that holding fast to Him is the key to staying on the straight path. It reminds us that even those who possess knowledge must rely on Allah's guidance to avoid losing their way.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (Quran 28:56)

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

This verse highlights the fact that true guidance ultimately comes from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that even the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who possessed the highest level of knowledge and wisdom, did not have the power to guide people on his own. It is Allah who guides whom He wills, and it is only through His guidance that one can stay on the right path.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw several important lessons. Firstly, it reminds us of the importance of humility and recognizing our own fallibility. No matter how much knowledge or insight we possess, we must always remain humble and open to the possibility of making mistakes. This humility allows us to seek guidance from Allah and to constantly strive for self-improvement.

Secondly, this Hadith underscores the need for constant self-reflection and self-correction. It serves as a reminder that even those who possess knowledge can be susceptible to errors and deviations. Therefore, it is crucial for us to regularly examine our actions, intentions, and beliefs to ensure that we are staying on the right path.

Lastly, this Hadith encourages us to seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to rely on His wisdom and guidance in all aspects of our lives. It reminds us that true guidance comes from Allah alone, and that we must constantly turn to Him for direction and support.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that even those who possess knowledge and insight can sometimes lose their way. It emphasizes the need for humility, self-reflection, and reliance on Allah's guidance. By recognizing our own fallibility and seeking Allah's guidance, we can strive to stay on the right path and avoid the pitfalls of deviation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to navigate through life with steadfastness and righteousness.