Hadith #7251

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "مَنْ عَقَلَ عَفَّ۔" which translates to,

One who has intelligence remains chaste [and abstains from the forbidden].

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words within it. The word (aqala) "عَقَلَ" means intelligence or intellect. It refers to the ability to comprehend, reason, and make sound judgments. The word (affa) "عَفَّ" means to remain chaste or to abstain from the forbidden. It encompasses not only physical purity but also moral and spiritual purity.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of intelligence in maintaining chastity and avoiding the forbidden. Intelligence is a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that enables us to discern between right and wrong, to understand the consequences of our actions, and to make choices that align with the teachings of Islam.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:179),

And certainly, We have created many of the jinn and mankind for Hell. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. They are like cattle, nay even more astray; those! They are the heedless ones.

This verse highlights the importance of intelligence and understanding. Those who lack intelligence are compared to cattle, as they are unable to comprehend the consequences of their actions. In contrast, those who possess intelligence are able to exercise self-restraint and avoid falling into sinful behaviors.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:32), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse emphasizes the importance of abstaining from forbidden acts, including unlawful sexual relations. It is through the application of intelligence that one can understand the gravity of such actions and refrain from engaging in them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to utilize their intelligence in making choices that align with the teachings of Islam. It encourages us to exercise self-control and refrain from indulging in forbidden acts, such as illicit relationships, dishonesty, and any other actions that go against the principles of Islam.

By remaining chaste and abstaining from the forbidden, Muslims not only preserve their physical purity but also cultivate moral and spiritual purity. This purity brings about numerous benefits, including increased self-respect, stronger relationships, and a closer connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Intelligence plays a crucial role in understanding the consequences of our actions. It enables us to foresee the negative outcomes that may arise from engaging in forbidden acts and motivates us to make choices that lead to righteousness and piety. Through the application of intelligence, we can protect ourselves from the harms and regrets that result from succumbing to our desires.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to utilize their intelligence in remaining chaste and abstaining from the forbidden. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the consequences of our actions and making choices that align with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can cultivate moral and spiritual purity, strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and lead a life of righteousness and piety. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to uphold the teachings of Islam and protect ourselves from the temptations of the forbidden.