Hadith #2739

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لاحِكْمَةَ إلاّ بِعِصْمَة۔" This can be translated as,

There is no wisdom except with safeguarding [from sin].

Let us delve into the essence of this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (hikmah) "حِكْمَةَ" in this Hadith refers to wisdom. Wisdom is not merely knowledge or intelligence, but it encompasses the ability to discern right from wrong, make sound judgments, and act in accordance with divine guidance. It is a comprehensive understanding that leads to righteousness and success in this world and the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that true wisdom can only be attained through (ismah) "عِصْمَة", which means safeguarding oneself from sin. Ismah refers to the state of being protected from committing sins and avoiding actions that displease Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state of purity and righteousness that enables one to make wise decisions and act in accordance with the divine will.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that highlight the importance of safeguarding oneself from sin in order to attain wisdom. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

Here, Allah emphasizes that the best provision for the journey of life is Taqwa, which is the essence of safeguarding oneself from sin. It is through Taqwa that one attains understanding and wisdom.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am (6:82), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Those who believe and do not mix their belief with injustice - those will have security, and they are [rightly] guided.

This verse emphasizes that true belief and wisdom can only be attained by refraining from injustice and wrongdoing. By safeguarding oneself from sin, one achieves security and guidance.

The consequences of not safeguarding oneself from sin are evident in the Quran as well. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:179), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the state of those who do not possess wisdom, saying,

And certainly, We have 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. They are like cattle; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse highlights that those who do not possess wisdom are like cattle, lacking understanding, sight, and hearing. They are devoid of the ability to comprehend the truth and are thus led astray. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding oneself from sin in order to attain true wisdom and understanding.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds profound implications for us as Muslims. It reminds us that true wisdom is not merely acquired through knowledge or intellect, but through the purification of our hearts and the avoidance of sinful actions. By safeguarding ourselves from sin, we align our actions with the divine will, enabling us to make wise decisions and navigate through the complexities of life.

Let us strive to attain true wisdom by seeking the protection of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) from sin. May we purify our hearts, refrain from wrongdoing, and constantly seek His guidance. By doing so, we will be able to attain true wisdom and live a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).