Hadith #2724

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 righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "قُرِنَتِ الحِكْمَةُ بِالعِصْمَةِ۔" This can be translated as,

Wisdom has been paired with protection [from sins].

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hikmah) "حِكْمَةُ" in this Hadith refers to wisdom. Wisdom is not merely knowledge or intelligence, but it encompasses understanding, insight, and the ability to make sound judgments. It is a quality that enables a person to navigate through life's challenges and make decisions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Wisdom is a gift from Allah and is highly valued in Islam.

The term (‘ismah) "عِصْمَةِ" in this Hadith refers to protection or immunity. It implies being safeguarded from sins and mistakes. In the context of this Hadith, it means that true wisdom is inseparable from righteousness and piety. A person who possesses wisdom is protected from falling into sins and is guided towards the path of righteousness.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of wisdom and its connection to righteousness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:83)

And [recall] when We made a covenant with the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of wisdom in dealing with others. It encourages us to speak good words and treat people with kindness and respect. This is a manifestation of wisdom, as it leads to harmonious relationships and the betterment of society. By following the guidance of Allah, we are protected from the sins of arrogance, harshness, and ill-treatment of others.

Another verse that sheds light on the connection between wisdom and protection from sins is found in Surah Al-Qasas. Allah says, (Quran 28:15)

And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.'

In this verse, Prophet Musa (Moses) displayed wisdom by intervening in a dispute between two men. However, due to a momentary lapse in judgment, he unintentionally caused the death of one of them. This incident serves as a reminder that even the most wise and righteous individuals can make mistakes. It emphasizes the need for constant vigilance and seeking protection from sins.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true wisdom is not limited to intellectual prowess or knowledge alone. It is a holistic concept that encompasses righteousness, piety, and protection from sins. A person who possesses wisdom is not only knowledgeable but also acts upon that knowledge in a manner that is pleasing to Allah.

Wisdom acts as a shield against the temptations of this world and protects us from falling into sinful behavior. It enables us to make decisions that align with the teachings of Islam and leads us towards a righteous and fulfilling life. By seeking wisdom and striving to implement it in our lives, we can attain protection from sins and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us reflect upon this profound Hadith and strive to acquire wisdom in all aspects of our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to seek wisdom and protection from sins, and may He bless us with the guidance to make sound judgments and decisions.