Hadith #922

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Everything requires intellect and intellect requires etiquette.

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of both intellect and etiquette in our lives as Muslims. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (intellect) "عَقْلِ" refers to the faculty of reasoning, understanding, and discernment. It is the ability to think critically and make sound judgments. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of intellect and reasoning. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:190)

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding

This verse encourages Muslims to reflect upon the signs of Allah's creation and use their intellect to recognize His existence and His wisdom.

The word (etiquette) "أدبِ" refers to good manners, proper conduct, and moral behavior. It encompasses respect, kindness, humility, and integrity. The Quran teaches us the importance of etiquette in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 49:11)

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames

This verse emphasizes the need for Muslims to treat one another with respect and dignity, refraining from mockery, insults, and offensive language.

Now, let us reflect on the meaning of Imam Ali's statement. The Hadith teaches us that intellect is essential for understanding and navigating the complexities of life. It is through intellect that we can comprehend the teachings of Islam, analyze situations, and make wise decisions. Without intellect, we may be prone to ignorance, confusion, and misguidance. The Quran repeatedly encourages Muslims to use their intellect to ponder upon the signs of Allah's creation, to seek knowledge, and to make informed choices.

However, intellect alone is not sufficient. It must be accompanied by etiquette, which serves as a moral compass guiding our actions. Etiquette ensures that our intellect is channeled towards righteousness and goodness. It reminds us to treat others with kindness, respect, and compassion. It prevents our intellect from being misused or becoming a source of arrogance and pride. Just as intellect helps us understand the truth, etiquette helps us embody and express that truth in our interactions with others.

The consequences of neglecting either intellect or etiquette can be detrimental. Without intellect, we may fall into ignorance, superstition, and blind following. Without etiquette, our intellect may lead us astray, causing us to become arrogant, judgmental, and disrespectful towards others. By emphasizing the need for both intellect and etiquette, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the balanced approach that Islam advocates.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that everything in life requires intellect, and intellect requires etiquette. These two qualities are intertwined and essential for a balanced and righteous life. By using our intellect to understand and follow the teachings of Islam, and by practicing good etiquette in our interactions with others, we can strive towards spiritual growth, moral excellence, and a harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to cultivate both intellect and etiquette in our lives.