Question:
What is Meant by Hikmat-e-Ilmi? Is There Any Standard for It?
Answer:
The word “Hikmat” means wisdom and insight, while “Amal” means action. Therefore, performing a task with wisdom and understanding is called Hikmat-e-Amali (practical wisdom). Since every person’s understanding may differ, in common usage Hikmat-e-Amali generally refers to a method or approach. That is why people use expressions such as “an unsuccessful strategy” or “the best strategy.”
In matters of Islamic rulings, where we are instructed to act with Hikmat, it refers to complete wisdom and insight. This means carrying out a Shariah ruling while considering the situation, circumstances, and their requirements, so that the ruling is fulfilled properly, no negligence occurs in its implementation, and the circumstances are accommodated as much as possible. For example, in Da’wah and Tabligh, Jihad, politics, and different stages of practical life, an individual or a group should adopt an approach that is suitable for the situation, takes the sensitivity of the circumstances into account, matches the understanding of the audience, is supported by evidence, and helps resolve matters in an effective and appropriate manner.
Allama Shabbir Ahmad Usmani رحمہ اللہ writes:
“Hikmat” means presenting firm and well-established subjects in a wise manner, supported by strong proofs and evidence, so that people with understanding, intellect, and scholarly insight willingly accept them. The imaginary philosophies of the world become insignificant before them, and no scientific or intellectual advancement can alter even the slightest part of the truths revealed through Divine Revelation.
(Tafsir Usmani)
Mufti Muhammad Shafi رحمہ اللہ writes:
The word “Hikmat” has been used in the Holy Quran with many meanings. In this context, some scholars of Tafsir have interpreted “Hikmat” as the Holy Quran, others as the Quran and Sunnah, while some have described it as conclusive proof. Ruh al-Ma’ani, quoting Bahr al-Muhit, explains Hikmat as:
“إنها الکلام الصواب الواقع من النفس أجمل موقع”.
That is, Hikmat is correct speech that reaches the heart of a person in the best possible way.
This explanation combines all the previous interpretations. The author of Ruh al-Bayan has expressed nearly the same meaning by stating that Hikmat is the insight through which a person understands the demands of a situation and speaks accordingly. They choose the right time and occasion so that the listener does not feel burdened, show gentleness where gentleness is needed and firmness where firmness is required, and when they believe that speaking directly may embarrass the listener, they speak through hints or adopt a suitable approach that neither causes embarrassment nor creates stubbornness or prejudice in the listener’s heart.
(Ma’arif al-Quran)
And Allah knows best.
