Wisdom in Islam represents a great value and a fundamental principle, where the essence of wisdom is to place things in their proper context, perfecting everything as pleases Allah and His Messenger, and to govern all matters with reason, knowledge, ethics, and steadfast principles.

Wisdom is the knowledge of the best things using the best sciences, it is named so because it prevents its possessor from despicable behavior. It also means to perfect something; do it skillfully and prevent it from corruption, or to keep it from deviating from its intended purpose.

In Islamic Legislation

Wisdom is mentioned in the Quran in several ayahs, where Allah praises those who possess and exhibit it. Allah says, “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best.” (An-Nahl: 125) And He says, “He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good.” (Al-Baqarah: 269) Commenting on this, Al-Sa'di said: “Whoever is granted wisdom by Allah has indeed been given much good. What greater good is there than that which brings happiness in both worlds and saves from misery? The special mention of this virtue, because it makes its possessor among the inheritors of the prophets and completes a servant by perfecting both their intellectual and practical strength. The perfection of intellectual strength is through the knowledge of truth and its purposes, and the perfection of practical strength is through doing good and avoiding evil. Thus, one can speak and act rightly, place matters correctly for oneself and others, and without it, one cannot do so.” ⁽¹⁾

Allah says, “And We had certainly given Luqman wisdom [and said], 'Be grateful to Allah.' And whoever is grateful is grateful for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever denies [His favor] - then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.” (Luqman: 12) Here, Allah mentions His favor upon His virtuous servant Luqman by granting him wisdom, which means knowledge of truth in its proper form and wisdom in actions. A person may be knowledgeable without being wise. ⁽²⁾

Ibn Mas'ud reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Envy is permitted only in two cases: A man whom Allah gives wealth, and he disposes of it rightfully, and a man to whom Allah gives knowledge which he applies and teaches it.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Ibn Abbas reported: Once the Prophet (ﷺ) embraced me and said, “O Allah, teach him wisdom (i.e. the understanding of the knowledge of Qur'an).” (Reported by Al-Bukhari) Ibn Hajar commented that scholars differ on what is meant by wisdom here; some say it is the Quran, others say it is acting upon it, some say it is the Sunnah, some say it is precision in speech, some say it is fear of Allah, some say it is understanding from Allah, some say it is reason, some say it is what reason testifies to its validity, and some say it is a light that distinguishes between inspiration and whisperings,  while others say it is the quick correct response. ⁽³⁾

Its Benefits for the Individual and Society

1. It is the first path to knowing Allah, as His knowledge can only be attained by those with conscious minds and hearts seeking truth.
2. It is the way of prophets, righteous people, and scholars. You will rarely find a bearer of truth who is not wise and rational.
3. Wisdom leads directly to pre-set goals, not as circumstances and whims dictate. Abu Al-Qasim Al-Junaid Ibn Muhammad, when asked about wisdom, said, “Wisdom commands everything that leaves a lasting praiseworthy impact, and it is well-received by people and safe from harmful consequences.” ⁽⁴⁾
4. It elevates its possessor and maintains their position. Malik Ibn Dinar said, “I read in some of Allah's scriptures that wisdom increases the nobility of the noble and elevates the servant to the ranks of kings.” ⁽⁵⁾
5. It keeps society free from resentment and hatred when matters are placed correctly, thus avoiding injustice.
6. Wisdom guards a person against committing evil or speaking inappropriately, engaging in forbidden acts, or harming others, and prevents situations that would require apologies and pardons.

Obstacles to Acquiring Wisdom

1. Some personal traits, if not addressed, hinder the acquisition of wisdom, such as haste in making decisions and executing them based on desires or whims.
2. Avoiding the consultation of experts and not seeking Allah's guidance, leading to decisions made without knowledge, experience, or expertise.
3. Not making short and long-term plans, leading to chaotic and unwise actions.
4. Taking steps without considering future consequences, resulting in heavy steps and failed outcomes.
5. Relying solely on confidence without experience and knowledge.

Means to Acquiring Wisdom

1. Knowledge: One of the primary ways to attain wisdom is through knowledge, specifically the knowledge of Sharia, creed, jurisprudence, understanding the objectives of Sharia, and the purpose of the texts.
2. True Worship: Sincerely worshipping Allah and avoiding sins, with quick repentance and return to Allah.
3. Associating with Righteous People: Interacting with righteous people, those of wisdom and opinion, learning from them, and listening to them. Ibn Al-Jawzi said, “Every door has a key, and the key to wisdom is expelling desires.” ⁽⁶⁾
4. Learning from Mistakes: Learning from one's mistakes and not repeating them, as every failure in life generates experience, paving the way to success. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The believer should not be stung from the same hole twice.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
5. Practicing Silence: Learning to be silent more than to speak. Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz said, “If you see a man prolonging his silence and avoiding people, draw near to him; he is receiving wisdom.” ⁽⁷⁾

Sufyan Ibn 'Uyaynah said, “I heard Abu Khalid say: Wisdom comes through three things: listening, hearing, and understanding. Wisdom is fertilized by three traits: turning to the abode of eternity (Hereafter), shunning the abode of delusion (Dunya), and preparing for death before it descends.” ⁽⁸⁾

One of the greatest examples of wisdom is the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). An example of his exceptional wisdom is evident in the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) called the scribe and said, “Write: In the name of Allah, most Gracious and most Merciful.” Suhail said: As for “Ar-Rahman,” we do not know what is meant by, but write Bi ismika allahumma (in thy name. O Allah). The Muslims said, “By Allah, we will not write it except 'In the name of Allah, most Gracious and most Merciful.'” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Write: 'Bi ismika allahumma.'” Then, the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Write: This is what Muhammad God's Messenger has decided.” Suhail protested, “I swear by God that if we knew you were God’s Messenger we would not turn you away from the House or fight with you; but write: Muhammad b. ‘Abdallah.” The Prophet replied, “I swear by God that I am God’s Messenger even if you disbelieve me; write Muhammad b. ‘Abdallah.”

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1. Tafsir As-Sa'di, p. 115.
2. Ibid, p. 648.
3. Fath Al-Bari by Ibn Hajar (1/170).
4. Hilyat Al-Awliya' wa Tabaqat Al-Asfiya' by Abu Nu'aym (13/261).
5. The Urge to Seek Knowledge and Strive to Gather it by Abu Hilal Al-'Askari, p. 50.
6. At-Tabsirah by Ibn al-Jawzi (1/396).
7. Ibid (2/289).
8. Ibid. 

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