Hadith #2721

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Espouse wisdom, for indeed it is an exquisite ornament.

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of acquiring and embodying wisdom in our lives. Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (hikmah) "حِكْمَةِ" in this Hadith refers to wisdom. It encompasses deep understanding, discernment, and the ability to make sound judgments. Wisdom is not merely knowledge, but rather the practical application of knowledge in a way that benefits oneself and others. It is a quality that elevates an individual and adorns their character.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of wisdom in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:269)

And He gave wisdom to whom He willed, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

This verse highlights that wisdom is a divine gift bestowed upon those whom Allah chooses. It is a source of immense goodness and is only comprehended by those who possess understanding.

Furthermore, in Surah Luqman, Allah recounts the advice of Luqman to his son, saying, (31:12)

And We had certainly given Luqman wisdom [saying], 'Be grateful to Allah.' And whoever is grateful is grateful for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever denies [His favor] - then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

Here, Allah emphasizes that wisdom includes gratitude towards Allah, recognizing His blessings, and acknowledging the importance of being thankful. This demonstrates that wisdom encompasses not only intellectual understanding but also moral and spiritual awareness.

Imam Ali's statement encourages us to embrace wisdom as an ornament, an adornment that beautifies our character and elevates our status. When we possess wisdom, we are able to navigate through life's challenges with grace and insight. Wisdom enables us to make informed decisions, resolve conflicts, and act in a manner that is pleasing to Allah.

Moreover, wisdom has far-reaching consequences. It not only benefits the individual but also positively impacts society as a whole. When individuals embody wisdom, they become a source of guidance and inspiration for others. They are able to impart knowledge, resolve disputes, and contribute to the betterment of their communities.

For instance, Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified wisdom in his actions and decisions. When he was appointed as the treasurer of Egypt, he implemented a wise economic policy during a time of famine, ensuring the welfare of the people. His wisdom and foresight saved countless lives and earned him the respect and admiration of the Egyptian society.

Similarly, in our daily lives, wisdom enables us to navigate through various situations. It helps us to choose our words wisely, make informed decisions, and act in a manner that upholds justice and righteousness. By embodying wisdom, we become beacons of light, guiding others towards the path of righteousness and inspiring them to seek knowledge and understanding.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of embracing wisdom as an exquisite ornament. Wisdom is not merely knowledge, but the practical application of knowledge in a way that benefits oneself and others. It is a divine gift that elevates our character and enables us to navigate through life's challenges with grace and insight. By embodying wisdom, we become a source of guidance and inspiration for others, contributing to the betterment of society. May Allah grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge, make sound judgments, and adorn our lives with this exquisite ornament.