Hadith #370

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, and his noble companions.

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

مَا اسْتَوْدَعَ اللهُ امْرَأً عَقْلاً إِلاَّ اسْتَنْقَذَهُ بِهِ يَوْماً مَا۔

This can be translated as,

Allah does not grant wisdom to a person except that some day He will save him from ruin with its help.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (istawda'a) "استودع" in the Hadith refers to the act of entrusting or granting something to someone. In this context, it signifies Allah's bestowal of wisdom upon an individual. The word (aql) "عقل" means intellect or wisdom. It is the faculty of reason and understanding that distinguishes humans from other creations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) asserts that when Allah grants wisdom to a person, it is not merely for their personal benefit or intellectual prowess. Rather, it is a divine trust that carries a profound responsibility. This wisdom is not given arbitrarily but with a purpose, and that purpose is to save the person from ruin at some point in their life.

To understand the significance of this statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269, Allah says,

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

This verse emphasizes that wisdom is a divine gift, bestowed upon individuals according to Allah's will. It is a blessing that brings immense benefit and goodness to the recipient.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269, Allah states,

And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

This verse highlights the fact that Allah possesses perfect knowledge and wisdom. He knows the true worth of wisdom and grants it to those whom He deems deserving. Therefore, when Allah grants wisdom to someone, it is a testament to their potential and the trust He has placed in them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement implies that the possession of wisdom comes with a responsibility to utilize it for the greater good and to navigate through the challenges of life. It is not a mere intellectual exercise but a means of guidance and protection from harm. The wisdom bestowed by Allah serves as a shield against the pitfalls and dangers that one may encounter.

For instance, a person endowed with wisdom will be able to make sound decisions, avoid harmful situations, and find solutions to complex problems. They will be able to discern between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and act accordingly. This wisdom becomes a source of strength and resilience, enabling them to overcome adversity and emerge unscathed.

Moreover, the Hadith implies that Allah's intervention and assistance are guaranteed for those who possess wisdom. When a person faces a critical situation or potential ruin, Allah, in His infinite mercy, will come to their aid and rescue them from harm. This divine intervention may manifest in various ways, such as providing guidance, opening doors of opportunity, or granting them the means to overcome their challenges.

To illustrate this, we can refer to the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) in the Quran. Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was blessed with wisdom and knowledge, which he utilized to interpret dreams and navigate through the trials he faced. When he was thrown into the well by his brothers and later imprisoned, Allah's wisdom and intervention saved him from ruin. Eventually, Yusuf's wisdom led him to become a trusted advisor to the king and a source of salvation for his people.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that wisdom is not a mere intellectual pursuit but a divine trust. When Allah grants wisdom to an individual, it is with the purpose of guiding and protecting them from ruin. This wisdom becomes a source of strength and resilience, enabling them to navigate through the challenges of life. It is a reminder for us to utilize the wisdom bestowed upon us for the greater good, seeking Allah's guidance and relying on His assistance in times of need. May Allah grant us wisdom and save us from ruin through its help.