Hadith #2152

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, "الحزم شدة الاستظهار" which translates to

Judiciousness is being extremely cautious.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of being cautious and careful in our actions and decisions. To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the Quran for guidance.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of being cautious and mindful in our conduct. For example, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse reminds us to exercise caution and refrain from engaging in matters that we do not have sufficient knowledge about. It highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and making informed decisions.

Another verse that supports the concept of judiciousness is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), where Allah says,

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 teaches us the importance of verifying information before acting upon it. It urges us to be cautious and not to harm others based on rumors or false accusations.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the significance of being extremely cautious in our actions. It encourages us to carefully consider the consequences of our decisions and to avoid hasty and impulsive behavior. By being judicious, we can prevent ourselves from falling into harmful situations and making regretful choices.

For instance, let's consider a scenario where a person is faced with a financial opportunity that seems promising but involves a significant risk. If the individual acts impulsively without carefully assessing the potential consequences, they may end up losing their hard-earned money. However, if they exercise judiciousness by thoroughly researching and seeking advice, they can make a well-informed decision that aligns with their best interests.

Furthermore, being extremely cautious also applies to our interactions with others. It reminds us to choose our words wisely and to consider the impact they may have on those around us. By practicing judiciousness in our speech, we can avoid causing harm or misunderstanding, and instead foster positive and harmonious relationships.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of being extremely cautious in our actions and decisions. It urges us to seek knowledge, verify information, and carefully consider the consequences of our choices. By embodying this quality of judiciousness, we can navigate through life with wisdom and avoid unnecessary harm and regret. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice judiciousness in all aspects of our lives.