Hadith #2746

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 noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of seeking advice and assistance from wise and generous individuals. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

He who intends to take his request to one who is not wise (or generous) is not a wise person.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The word (hakeem) "حَكِيم" refers to someone who possesses wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. It is derived from the root word (hakama) "حَكَمَ", which means to judge, govern, or make wise decisions. In this context, it signifies a person who has the ability to provide sound advice and guidance.

The word (kareem) "كَرِيم" means generous, noble, or honorable. It comes from the root word (karama) "كَرَمَ", which denotes acts of kindness, benevolence, and magnanimity. In this Hadith, it signifies someone who not only possesses wisdom but also has a generous and compassionate nature.

To understand the significance of seeking advice from wise and generous individuals, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge and wisdom over those who lack it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:14), Allah narrates the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) seeking guidance from a wise and knowledgeable man. This incident demonstrates the significance of seeking advice from those who possess wisdom and understanding.

In light of these Quranic teachings, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. When faced with a problem or in need of guidance, it is essential to approach individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also possess a generous and compassionate nature. Seeking advice from such individuals ensures that we receive guidance that is not only wise but also accompanied by kindness and empathy.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that seeking assistance from someone who lacks wisdom or generosity is not a wise decision. Such individuals may not possess the necessary knowledge or understanding to provide sound guidance. Moreover, they may lack the compassion and generosity required to truly help and support others.

By seeking advice from wise and generous individuals, we can benefit from their knowledge and experience. They can provide us with guidance that is rooted in wisdom, compassion, and righteousness. Their advice will not only help us make informed decisions but also inspire us to act with kindness and generosity towards others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of seeking advice from individuals who possess wisdom and generosity. By doing so, we can benefit from their knowledge and guidance, enabling us to make wise decisions and act with kindness towards others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek guidance from those who possess knowledge and the generosity to help and support others.