Hadith #8424

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the two virtues that distinguish human beings from other creations: intellect and speech. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that these two qualities are not only inherent in human beings but also hold great significance in their lives.

The word (aql) "عَقْلٌ" in Arabic refers to intellect or reason. It is the faculty of the mind that enables human beings to think, understand, and make rational decisions. Through their intellect, humans have the ability to acquire knowledge, comprehend the world around them, and discern between right and wrong. The intellect is a divine gift bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), enabling us to fulfill our purpose in this world.

The second virtue mentioned in the hadith is (mantiq) "مَنْطِقٌ", which translates to speech or eloquence. Speech is a powerful tool that allows human beings to express their thoughts, convey ideas, and communicate with others. It is through speech that we are able to share knowledge, inspire, and influence those around us. Our words have the potential to bring about positive change and impact the lives of others.

To further understand the significance of these virtues, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:31-32)

And He taught Adam the names - all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, 'Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful.' They said, 'Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise.'

This verse highlights the superiority of human beings over the angels, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) taught Adam the names of all things. This knowledge, which encompasses the understanding of the world and its creations, was bestowed upon Adam through his intellect. It is through our intellect that we have the ability to learn, discover, and acquire knowledge.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of speech in several verses. In Surah An-Nahl, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 16:125)

Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights the power of speech in conveying the message of Islam and inviting others to the path of Allah. It emphasizes the importance of using wisdom, good instruction, and effective communication to guide others towards the truth. Through our speech, we have the ability to inspire, educate, and positively influence those around us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that these two virtues, intellect and speech, are not meant to be used selfishly but rather for the benefit of ourselves and others. Our intellect should be utilized to seek knowledge, understand the teachings of Islam, and make informed decisions that align with the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). Similarly, our speech should be used to spread goodness, promote justice, and convey the message of Islam in the most effective and compassionate manner.

By utilizing our intellect and speech in a righteous manner, we have the potential to positively impact the lives of others, contribute to the betterment of society, and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Conversely, if we neglect or misuse these virtues, we risk falling into ignorance, spreading falsehood, and causing harm to ourselves and others.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the inherent qualities that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has blessed human beings with: intellect and speech. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing these virtues for the betterment of ourselves and others, in accordance with the teachings of Islam. May we strive to develop our intellect, seek knowledge, and use our speech to spread goodness and guidance, following the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).