A WISE SAYING

Ali ibn Abi Talib is reported to have said: “The true scholar is the one who does not make people lose hope in God’s mercy.” (Musnad al-Darimi, Narration: 305). This is a deeply meaningful statement and has many dimensions.

One meaning of this statement is that in gatherings where people are advised and encouraged toward righteousness, the standard presented should not be so high that they feel religion is beyond their reach and begin to lose hope in God’s mercy. Instead, the message should be presented in a way that highlights encouragement and inspiration, so that people feel motivated to act.

Another interpretation is that in daily matters, guidance given to people should avoid harshness. Harshness often stems from a lack of knowledge, but someone who has a deep understanding will have a broader outlook. Consequently, they will speak in a manner that includes consideration and ease, so that God’s religion appears practical and achievable for all.

This saying also has a broader dimension that relates to wider circumstances. In this world of competition, when one nation dominates another when one group advances ahead of another, and when new challenges emerge in collective life, a person with limited understanding may look only at the surface and begin to express frustration and protest. They may focus on injustice and create a sense of deprivation and victimhood among people. But a person with deeper knowledge will assess the situation more thoroughly. They will be able to see further and understand the realities at a deeper level. Such a person will find possibilities even in the midst of darkness. They will speak of ease within difficulty. They will point to opportunities hidden within problems. They will nurture hope and confidence in people by showing them how their disadvantages can be turned into strengths.