PROPHETIC WISDOM

O NE of the qualities of the Prophet of Islam was his great vision, as a result of which he urged his followers to adopt a wise approach in all their dealings. A number of sayings on this subject have appeared in books of Hadith. For instance he observed: ‘We must not feel envy except for two kinds of people: those who, when given wealth, spend generously in the path of Truth, and those who, when given wisdom, judge accordingly and shed its light upon others.’ A companion of the Prophet, Abdullah ibn Abbas said that the Prophet of Islam embraced him and prayed to God to grant him wisdom. (Fathul Bari, 7: 126) A large number of traditions have been recorded which underscore the importance of wisdom. For instance, the Prophet of Islam said: ‘How good is the gathering at which wise sayings are uttered.’ Similarly, he said: ‘There is no better gift than words of wisdom.’ (Ad Darmi) The importance of wisdom is so great that we are urged not to hesitate in accepting any words of wisdom, even from other nations or communities. The Prophet once observed: ‘A piece of wisdom is a believer’s own lost possession, so wherever he finds it, he should adopt it as if he is the most deserving of it.’ In some traditions, wisdom and a deeper understanding have even more importance attached to them than worship. As recorded in the Hadith (sayings of the Prophet); One learned religious scholar carries more weight than one thousand worshippers. AI-TIRMIDHI and IBN MAJAH The Prophet’s entire life was filled with examples of wisdom. While discharging his responsibilities, he adopted the way of wisdom on all occasions and at all stages. Here is one example from his life: On the occasion of confrontations When the Prophet was thirty-five years old, before the time of his prophethood, a situation arose in Makkah, which called for tactful handling. The walls of the Kabah, which had collapsed for some reason, PROPHETIC WISDOM