Hadith #2149

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 أسد الآراء", which translates to

Judiciousness is [having] the most pertinent of views.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of having a firm and decisive approach when forming opinions and making decisions.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words used. The word (al-hazm) "الحزم" refers to firmness, determination, and decisiveness. It signifies a resolute mindset that is unwavering in the face of challenges and uncertainties. The word (asad) "أسد" means a lion, which symbolizes strength, courage, and leadership. Lastly, the word (al-arā') "الآراء" refers to opinions or views.

In light of the Quran, we find numerous verses that emphasize the importance of judiciousness and having the most pertinent views. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6),

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse encourages Muslims to exercise caution and prudence when receiving information, urging them to verify its authenticity before forming opinions or taking actions. It highlights the significance of being judicious and not hastily accepting or acting upon unverified information.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and avoiding unnecessary disputes that can weaken the Muslim community. It encourages Muslims to adopt a judicious approach by following the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), rather than engaging in fruitless arguments that can lead to division and loss of strength.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the significance of having a firm and decisive approach when forming opinions and making decisions. It emphasizes the need to carefully analyze and consider all relevant factors before arriving at a conclusion. By being judicious, one can avoid hasty judgments, baseless assumptions, and impulsive actions that may lead to negative consequences.

For example, in matters of social justice, a judicious approach would involve thoroughly understanding the circumstances, listening to all parties involved, and considering the principles of fairness and equity before making a decision. This approach ensures that the most pertinent and just view is adopted, leading to a more harmonious and balanced society.

In matters of personal relationships, being judicious means taking into account the feelings and perspectives of others, rather than solely focusing on one's own desires or interests. It involves empathizing with others, considering their needs, and making decisions that promote understanding and harmony.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder of his immense knowledge and wisdom. His deep understanding of human nature, combined with his profound knowledge of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), enabled him to provide insightful guidance on various matters. Muslims can benefit from his teachings by adopting a judicious approach in their daily lives, seeking the most pertinent views based on the principles of justice, compassion, and wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of judiciousness and having the most pertinent views. It encourages Muslims to adopt a firm and decisive approach when forming opinions and making decisions, taking into account the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By being judicious, Muslims can navigate through the complexities of life, promote justice and harmony, and strive towards the betterment of themselves and society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to be judicious in all aspects of our lives.