Hadith #10689

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The most felicitous person is the intelligent believer.

This enlightening saying emphasizes the importance of intelligence and faith in attaining true happiness and success in this world and the hereafter.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (as'adu) "أسْعَدُ" means the most felicitous or the happiest. It refers to a state of true contentment and fulfillment. (an-nas) "النّاسِ" refers to people in general, encompassing all individuals. (al-'aqil) "العاقِلُ" denotes the intelligent or wise person who possesses the ability to reason, understand, and make sound judgments. Finally, (al-mu'min) "المُؤمِنُ" refers to the believer, one who has faith in Allah and His Messenger.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of intelligence and wisdom in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269, Allah says,

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom is indeed given a great wealth.

This verse highlights the value of intelligence as a divine gift and a source of immense wealth.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 14, Allah narrates the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and describes him as (wa'alqaytu 'alayka mahabbatan minni wali tusna'a 'ala 'aynee)

وَأَلْقَيْتُ عَلَيْكَ مَحَبَّةً مِّنِّي وَلِتُصْنَعَ عَلَىٰ عَيْنِي

which translates to

And I cast love upon you from Me, that you might be brought up under My eye.

This verse highlights the role of intelligence and divine love in the upbringing of Prophet Musa, emphasizing the importance of intelligence in the path of righteousness.

Now, let us reflect on the essence of Imam Ali's statement. The Hadith suggests that true felicity lies in the combination of intelligence and faith. Intelligence enables a person to comprehend the deeper meanings of faith, to discern right from wrong, and to make informed decisions. It allows one to navigate the complexities of life and to seek knowledge and understanding of the divine teachings.

An intelligent believer is not only knowledgeable but also applies their intellect in their daily life. They use their intelligence to seek the truth, to understand the purpose of their existence, and to fulfill their responsibilities towards Allah and humanity. Such a person is not easily swayed by false ideologies or misguided paths, as their intelligence acts as a shield against ignorance and deception.

The consequences of being an intelligent believer are far-reaching. It leads to a life of righteousness, guided by the principles of Islam. An intelligent believer is more likely to make wise choices, avoid harmful actions, and contribute positively to society. They are able to navigate the challenges of life with resilience and seek solutions that align with the teachings of Islam.

Moreover, the Hadith emphasizes that true felicity lies in the combination of intelligence and faith. It is not enough to possess intelligence alone; it must be coupled with sincere faith in Allah and His Messenger. Faith provides the moral compass and spiritual foundation that guides the intelligent believer towards righteousness and ultimate success.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of intelligence and faith in attaining true felicity. It emphasizes that the most successful and content person is the one who possesses intelligence and combines it with sincere faith in Allah. By seeking knowledge, understanding, and applying their intellect in accordance with the teachings of Islam, the intelligent believer can lead a life of purpose, righteousness, and true happiness. May Allah grant us all the wisdom and faith to become intelligent believers and attain true felicity.