Hadith #2699

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Wisdom is a garden for the intelligent and a promenade for the noble.

This beautiful statement emphasizes the significance of wisdom in the lives of the believers. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "hikmah" in Arabic, which translates to "wisdom" in English, carries a significance. It refers to the ability to discern and apply knowledge in the most appropriate and beneficial manner. Wisdom is not merely the accumulation of knowledge, but rather the practical application of that knowledge in a way that leads to righteousness and guidance.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of wisdom in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269, Allah says,

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom is indeed given a great good.

This verse highlights that wisdom is a divine gift bestowed upon those whom Allah chooses. It is a blessing that elevates individuals and enables them to make sound judgments and decisions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 14, Allah mentions the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and how He granted him wisdom and knowledge. This exemplifies that wisdom is not limited to worldly knowledge, but also encompasses spiritual insight and understanding.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes wisdom as a "rawdah" for the intelligent. The term "rawdah" refers to a garden or a lush green space. This metaphor signifies that wisdom is like a beautiful garden, full of life, tranquility, and abundance. Just as a garden nourishes and sustains its inhabitants, wisdom nourishes the intellect and soul of the intelligent believer. It provides them with guidance, clarity, and a deep understanding of the world around them.

In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 28, Allah mentions the story of Prophet Khidr (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). When Musa asked Khidr to allow him to accompany him and learn from him, Khidr replied, (Quran 18:68)

Surely you cannot have patience with me. And how can you have patience in matters about which you have no knowledge?

This verse highlights the importance of wisdom in dealing with situations and making decisions. Without wisdom, knowledge alone is not sufficient to navigate through the complexities of life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also describes wisdom as a "nuzhah" for the noble. The term "nuzhah" refers to a promenade or a place for leisurely walks. This metaphor signifies that wisdom is a source of delight and pleasure for those who possess noble qualities. It is not only a means of guidance but also a source of joy and contentment. The noble individuals who possess wisdom are able to appreciate its beauty and derive immense satisfaction from its application in their lives.

In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 54, Allah mentions the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and how He granted him wisdom and knowledge. This verse highlights that wisdom is a characteristic of the noble and righteous individuals who are chosen by Allah for His divine guidance.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking wisdom and applying it in our lives. It encourages us to cultivate a deep understanding of the world around us and to make decisions based on knowledge and insight. By doing so, we can attain the tranquility and satisfaction that wisdom brings, and we can become individuals who are guided by the light of Allah's wisdom.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek and apply wisdom in our lives, and may He bless us with the intellect and nobility to appreciate its beauty and benefits. Ameen.