بِتَكْرارِ الفِكْرِ تَسْلَمُ العَواقِبُ۔
By repeated thinking the outcomes become sound.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Thinking And The Thinker)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
By repeated thinking the outcomes become sound.
This profound statement emphasizes the importance of contemplation and reflection in our lives. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.
The word (takrar) "تَكْرِارِ" in the Hadith refers to repetition or continuous thinking. It implies that by constantly pondering and reflecting upon a matter, one can attain clarity and make sound decisions. This repetition of thought allows us to thoroughly analyze a situation, consider its consequences, and make informed choices.
The word (fikr) "فِكْرِ" in the Hadith means thought or contemplation. It signifies the act of engaging one's mind in deep reflection and intellectual deliberation. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us throughout the Quran to engage in critical thinking and ponder upon the signs of His creation. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (3:190)
Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding
The Hadith highlights the significance of thinking deeply and repeatedly about the consequences of our actions. It reminds us that hasty decisions can lead to unfavorable outcomes, while thoughtful consideration can lead to sound and beneficial results. This principle aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah repeatedly emphasizes the importance of wisdom, reflection, and seeking knowledge.
One of the Quranic verses that supports this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah says, (2:170)
And when it is said to them, 'Follow what Allah has revealed,' they say, 'Rather, we will follow that upon which we found our fathers.' Even if Satan was inviting them to the punishment of the Blaze?
This verse highlights the importance of critically evaluating our beliefs and actions, rather than blindly following the traditions of our forefathers.
By engaging in repeated thinking, we can avoid falling into the trap of blindly following societal norms or personal biases. This Hadith encourages us to question our assumptions, challenge our preconceived notions, and seek knowledge to make informed decisions. It reminds us that the outcomes of our actions are directly influenced by the depth of our contemplation and the sincerity of our intentions.
Furthermore, this Hadith also emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from the Quran. The Quran is a comprehensive source of wisdom and guidance for all aspects of life. It provides us with principles and values that can help us navigate through the complexities of the world. By pondering upon the verses of the Quran, we can gain insights and guidance that will enable us to make sound decisions.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of repeated thinking and contemplation. It encourages us to engage our minds in deep reflection, analyze the consequences of our actions, and seek guidance from the Quran. By doing so, we can make sound decisions that align with the teachings of Islam and lead to favorable outcomes. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to think critically and make wise choices in all aspects of our lives.
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