One 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, Vol. 7, p. 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.’ (Musnad Al-Bazzar, Hadith No. 2458) Similarly, he said: ‘There is no better gift than words of wisdom.’ (Musnad al- Shahab, Hadith No. 1316)

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.’ (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2687)

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. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 222; Sunan Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2681)

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, were being rebuilt by the Quraysh tribe, and in the process a problem arose as to who should be given the privilege of laying the revered black stone in its place, in the Kabah wall. Since it was a matter of great prestige, everyone wanted this honour for himself.

The dispute on this question continued for several days without there being any amicable solution in sight. Finally, all the tribesmen concerned showed their willingness to accept a suggestion made by one of their senior members; namely, that the person who first entered the Kabah the following morning would be appointed as their arbitrator. The next morning when they all saw that the first person to enter the Kabah was the Prophet, they all chorused: “He is the trustworthy one (Al-Ameen). We shall all abide by his decision.”

The Prophet then asked the people to bring a sheet of cloth. When it was produced, he spread it on the ground and placed the black stone on it. Then he asked the people to hold the sheet by the edges and carry it to the wall of the Kabah. The Prophet then placed the black stone in the wall with his own hands.

This act of the Prophet serves as a fine example of how a controversial matter can be amicably solved, and to everyone’s entire satisfaction, by having everyone participate. Such matters often turn into prestige issues. But if the matter is wisely handled and people are assured that they will not lose face, no difficulty will be faced in addressing the problem.