Q 3: What is the meaning of the statement of the Prophet (peace be upon him), wisdom is the target of the Mu'min (believer); wherever they find it, they should follow it ? What are the different interpretations of this Hadith?

A: First, this Hadith was narrated using similar words, including that related by Al-Tirmidhy in his "Jami`", on the authority of Ibrahim ibn Al-Fadl Al-Madany, on the authority of Al-Maqbury, on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, Wisdom is the target of a Mu'min; wherever they find it, they are the ones who deserve it more. It was also narrated by Ibn Majah in his "Sunan", Al-`Uqayly in "Al-Du`afa'", Ibn `Ady in "Al-Kamil" and Ibn Hibban in "Al-Majruhin".This Hadith is extremely Da`if (a Hadith that fails to reach the status of Hasan, due to a weakness in the chain of narration or one of the narrators) and should not be attributed to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), since its Isnad (chain of narrators) includes Ibrahim ibn Al-Fadl Al-Madany, who was unanimously ranked by the Hadith scholars as Da`if (weak). Imam Ahmad said about him, "He is not very reliable; his Hadith are Da`if." Yahya ibn Ma`in said, "He is not strong." He also said once, "His Hadith are Da`if and should not be narrated." Abu Hatim Al-Razy, Al-Bukhari and Al-Nasa'y said, "His Hadith are Munkar (rejected Hadith reported by a weak narrator whose narration conflicts with an authentic Hadith). Second, the interpretation of this Hadith is verified in the general texts; (Part No. 26; Page No. 358) if an unworthy person says something useful that does not contradict with Shari`ah (Islamic law), and a Mu'min comes across it, they should not ignore it, but rather they should use it to their own benefit, regardless of who stated it.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.