The 68th Lecture of Wisdom – Lecture of al-Hikam

 

68TH WISDOM LECTURE, AL-HIKAM

"Whoever always answers all questions, tells everything that has been witnessed and reveals everything that is known, then know that this is a sign of that person's stupidity."

From the wisdom above. Ibn Athaillah concludes that three signs, when seen in humans, show their ignorance. In fact, just one of the three signs is enough of a sign of someone's stupidity. However, it seems to be a precautionary measure. Ibn Athaillah standardized the three signs, they must both be present in humans.

First : someone who seems to have no hesitation at all in answering every question that is asked.

That is, he is always spontaneous in answering the various problems posed, without any doubts at all. How can it be said to be a sign of stupidity in such a thing? Yes, because the relevance of the problem being asked is actually very complex and broad which includes something that exists. In the form of things that are seen, heard, smelled and even understood by the mind. While the important point in a question is to find out with something that is still unknown.

Actually, the question is only related to matters that are still majhul, not yet known. Meanwhile, the answer does not cover except the parts that can be detected or known by human reason only. Therefore, it is impossible for humans to explain the problems asked by covering all aspects.

And it is well known, that the space for something that is still absourd is much wider than the space for something that can be   reached by reason. In accordance with the word of Allah QS. Al-Isra', 85

And they ask you about spirits. Say: "The spirit belongs to my Lord, and knowledge is not given to you but a little."

What do you think drives the majority of people to do this kind of thing? Knowledgeable, so spontaneous to answer when there are questions. Another factor, because the seeds of arrogance are still embedded in him, consider himself smart and knowledgeable. In fact, this kind of model has a very large negative effect, that is, it gives rise to the appearance of lying, treason, riya' and so on.

Second : A sign that shows someone's stupidity is that they usually tell what they have witnessed to others.

That is, he tells the inner secrets that should be kept and hidden that other people should not know. In addition, because not a few things that are reported sometimes provoke emotions or hostility among the public. Either this is something that is commendable in their eyes, or it is despicable. Because whatever the content of the news, if it can really disturb the public, then it should not be exposed to the public.

While the third : is to always tell the situation itself, both the good side or the bad side.

What does this mean? Isn't telling of blessings a commandment in the Quran? As in QS. al-Dhuha: 11.

"And regarding the favor of your Lord, then you should broadcast it."

If you tell it because it is a form of gratitude for the majesty of God's blessings that have been received, it is okay. However, if for a purpose you want to be praised, glorified, respected or elevated in degree. This is very dangerous and very despicable.

Even more dangerous, when telling mistakes or bad things that have been done to others. If he tells his ugliness with pride, as if there is no sin for him. This is very dangerous, it can even lead to kufr. Because people who commit disobedience, then he tells others with pride. It can lead to disbelief. So be careful with this. Hopefully we can avoid all the despicable qualities above. Amen