Hadith #1557

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who has lost his sight makes wrong judgments.

This Hadith carries a impactful message about the consequences of losing one's sight, not only in the physical sense but also in the metaphorical sense.

The word (faqidu) "فاقِدُ" in the Hadith refers to someone who has lost or is deprived of something. In this context, it signifies the loss of sight, which can be understood both literally and metaphorically. Losing physical sight can impair one's ability to see and perceive the world around them. However, the metaphorical loss of sight refers to the loss of insight, understanding, and wisdom.

The word (basar) "البَصَرِ" in the Hadith means sight or vision. It represents the ability to see and comprehend the truth, to distinguish between right and wrong, and to make sound judgments. It encompasses both physical and intellectual sight.

The word (fasidu) "فاسِدُ" in the Hadith means corrupt or wrong. It implies that when one loses their sight, they become prone to making erroneous judgments, decisions, and actions. Their impaired vision leads them astray, causing them to deviate from the right path and engage in harmful or sinful behavior.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-An'am, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 17:36)

Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse emphasizes the importance of sight as one of the faculties for which we will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment. It highlights the responsibility we have to use our sight wisely and to seek knowledge and understanding.

Another verse in the Quran, Surah Al-Hajj, states, (Quran 30:9)

Have they not traveled through the land and observed how was the end of those before them? They were greater than them in power, and they plowed the earth and built it up more than they have built it up, and their messengers came to them with clear evidences. And Allah would not ever have wronged them, but they were wronging themselves.

This verse reminds us of the consequences faced by those who lost their sight metaphorically. Despite their physical power and material achievements, they failed to recognize the signs of Allah and the guidance brought by His messengers. Their lack of insight led them to wrong themselves and deviate from the truth.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a warning to Muslims about the dangers of losing sight, both physically and metaphorically. When we lose our ability to see the truth, we become susceptible to making incorrect judgments and decisions. This can have grave consequences for our spiritual and worldly affairs.

To avoid falling into such a state, we must strive to maintain and enhance our sight. This can be achieved through seeking knowledge, reflecting on the Quranic teachings, and following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By nurturing our intellectual and spiritual vision, we can make sound judgments, avoid wrongdoing, and stay on the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to safeguard their sight, both in the physical and metaphorical sense. Losing sight, whether it be through physical blindness or the loss of insight and understanding, can lead to erroneous judgments and actions. By seeking knowledge, reflecting on the Quran, and following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can preserve our sight and make sound decisions that align with the truth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to always see and judge correctly.