In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

Imaam Al-Barbahaaree [rahimahullaah] said that Al-Hasan [al-Basree] said, ‘The wise man does not argue or seek to overcome with stratagem rather he propagates his wisdom.  If it is accepted, he praises Allah and if it is rejected he praises Allah'[1]

Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] commented on the above statement saying: Concerning the statement of Imaam Barbahaaree that Hasan al-Basree said: ‘The wise man does not argue or seek to overcome with stratagem….’

Al-Hasan Al-Basree:  He is Al-Hasan Ibnu Abil Hasan Al-Basree the well-known Imaam from amongst the Taaýbiýeen. He said: ‘’The wise man’, that is the one who possesses wisdom, and wisdom is to place something in its [proper] place.  Likewise, the wise one means the one with understanding.

Therefore, two meanings are intended by Al-Hakeem (the wise one); the first intended meaning is one who places the affairs in their [proper] place and it is also intended to mean the one who has understanding, because wisdom is understanding and knowledge of what is intended by Allah and His Messenger [i.e. the understanding of the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger].

‘He does not argue; he does not debate [with] a fruitless debate that is devoid of benefit. ‘’He does not seek to overcome with stratagem; he does not seek to overcome the people of falsehood with stratagem and to make them submit.  ‘His wisdom’, that is he propagates his knowledge and if accepted he praises Allah.  This is what is sought after.  And if it [i.e. his knowledge/wisdom] is not accepted, he is absolved of his responsibility and the proof is conveyed.

And concerning the statement, ‘He praises Allah’ because he established and conveyed the proof, and fulfilled that which is required of him, and the guiding of the hearts is in the hands of Allah (Glorified and Exalted Be He). [2]

[1]  Explanation of The Creed, translated by Aboo Talhah Dawood Burbank. Page: 99]

[2] Arabic Explanation: It-haaful Qaaree Bitta’liuqaat Alaa Sharhis Sunnah Lil Imaam Barbahaaree. Vol 2. Page: 265-266