Hadith #10159

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises Muslims to refrain from engaging in disputes with foolish individuals and to avoid becoming infatuated with women. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of these actions, as they can lead to the degradation of the intelligent ones.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (sufaha) "سُفَهَاءَ" refers to those who lack wisdom, understanding, and intellect. These individuals are characterized by their foolishness, ignorance, and inability to comprehend the deeper aspects of life. The word (nisaa) "نِسَاءِ" refers to women, specifically in the context of being infatuated with them.

To understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-An'am, verse 68:

And when you see those who engage in [offensive] discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another conversation. And if Satan should cause you to forget, then do not remain after the reminder with the wrongdoing people.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding arguments and disputes with those who engage in offensive discourse, as it only leads to further discord and confusion.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 179, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us:

And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse highlights the existence of individuals who lack understanding and insight, resembling livestock in their ignorance. Engaging in disputes with such individuals would be futile and unproductive.

Turning our attention to the second part of the Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises against being infatuated with women. This does not imply that women are to be disregarded or devalued, but rather serves as a reminder to maintain a balanced approach in our interactions with the opposite gender. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah An-Nisa, verse 19:

O you who have believed, it is not lawful for you to inherit women by compulsion. And do not make difficulties for them in order to take [back] part of what you gave them unless they commit a clear immorality. And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them - perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating women with kindness and fairness, rather than becoming infatuated or obsessed with them. It reminds us to maintain a balanced perspective and to avoid objectifying or demeaning women. By doing so, we preserve the dignity and respect of both men and women.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to prioritize wisdom, understanding, and maintaining healthy relationships. Engaging in futile arguments with foolish individuals only leads to further discord and confusion, while becoming infatuated with women can distract us from our higher purpose and degrade our intellect. By following Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice, we can strive towards a balanced and enlightened approach to life, fostering harmony and growth within ourselves and our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement these teachings in our lives.