Saying 86 - The Power of Wisdom: Why Experience Beats Raw Strength
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(I begin) In the Name of Allah, the All-Kind (or All-Beneficent), the All-Merciful (or All-Compassionate)
In Saying 86 of the Nahjul Balagha, Imam Ali (as) shares a profound insight into what truly wins battles, and what wins in life:
رَأْيُ الشَّيْخِ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ جَلَدِ الْغُلاَمِ
“I love the opinion of an old man more than the strength of a young man.”
There is also another version of this saying that uses the word مَشْهَدِ الْغُلاَمِ (the martyrdom of a young man), meaning the Imam values an elder’s wise counsel even more than the ultimate sacrifice of a youth on the battlefield.
Breaking Down The Terms
To understand this better, let’s look at two key words:
Jalad (جَلَد): This refers to agility, physical strength, and toughness.
Ghulam (غُلام): This refers to a youth in the prime of their energy.
Strategy First, Strength Second
We often celebrate bravery, but Imam Ali (as) is teaching us a hierarchy for success:
First Priority: Correct planning and strategy.
Second Priority: Courage and physical agility.
Without a sound plan, even the greatest bravery has little effect. While youth provide the energy and the “muscles,” elders provide the “map” based on years of experience.
A Lesson From History: The Trench
A perfect example of this is Salman al-Farsi during the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq). While thousands of soldiers were ready to fight with swords, it was Salman’s single suggestion, to dig a trench around Medina, that saved the city. This proves that one idea born from experience can outweigh thousands of weapons.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Sometimes, young people feel they are the center of the world and view elders as “out of date.” Imam Ali (as) reminds us that wherever a young person has reached, it is usually because of the sacrifices of their parents and elders.
Think of this analogy: A child is trying to watch a parade but can’t see over the crowd. His father picks him up and puts him on his shoulders. The child cries out, “I can see everything! In fact, I can see even better than you!” He is right, he can see further, but only because he is standing on his father’s shoulders.
The Balance of Wisdom and Courage
This relationship is beautifully captured in Arabic poetry:
الرّأْىُ قَبْلَ شُجاعَةِ الشَّجْعانِ *** هُوَ أوَّلٌ وَهِىَ الْمَحَلُّ الثّانى
فَإذا هُما اجْتَمَعا لِنَفْس مَرَّةً *** بَلَغَتْ مِنَ الْعُلْياءِ كُلَّ مَكان
“Wise judgment comes before the courage of the brave, it is primary, while courage is secondary.
When these two are joined in a single soul, that person reaches the highest of stations.”
However, there is a balance. We are advised not to pick a leader who is an arrogant, inexperienced youth, but also not an elder whose mind has faded with age. The goal is to find “experienced adults” who combine energy with clear-headed wisdom.
Is Every Elderly Person’s Opinion Perfect?
Not necessarily. The Prophet (s) warned that as people age, two traits can actually grow stronger if they aren’t careful:
Hirs (حِرص): Greed or clinging too tightly to the world.
Tul al-Amal (طُولُ الأَمَل): Having long, unrealistic hopes for this life.
The Quran reminds us of the physical reality of aging in Surah Yaseen (36:68):
وَمَنْ نُعَمِّرْهُ نُنَكِّسْهُ فِي الْخَلْقِ ۖ أَفَلَا يَعْقِلُونَ
“And whomever We give a long life, We cause him to regress in creation. Then, will they not exercise their reason?”
The Role of the Elder
The message is clear: long life is a blessing, but we must expect our physical strength to fade. Because of this, elders are called to lead a life guided by wisdom rather than material greed.
A healthy community needs elders who:
Have clarity of vision, not wishful thinking.
Are detached from worldly status.
Act as mentors, sharing their knowledge and welcoming the next generation to step forward.
This saying, “I love the opinion of an old man more than the strength of a young man.”, is by Imam Ali (as), the best elder and mentor we could ask for. We are truly fortunate to be guided by his wisdom. Alhumdulillah for the blessing of seeing further through being raised by his guidance.
اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ الّذى جَعَلَنا مِنَ الْمُتَمَسِّكينَ بِوِلايَةِ اَميرِ الْمُؤْمِنينَ وَالاْئِمَّةِ عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلامُ
Praise be to Allah, who blessed us to be among -those who cling and hold to the “Wilayaat” (love, friendship and authority) of Ameer Al Momineen and all the Imams, peace be on them all.