Hadith #4898

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Calmness is a sign of intelligence.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word "sakeenah" in Arabic refers to tranquility, serenity, and peace. It is a state of inner calmness and composure. The word "unwan" means a sign or an indicator. And the word "aql" refers to intelligence, understanding, and wisdom.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking tranquility and maintaining composure in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153), Allah says,

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the connection between patience and seeking Allah's assistance, which leads to a sense of tranquility and peace.

Furthermore, in Surah Ar-Ra'd (13:28), Allah states,

Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah, hearts are assured.

This verse emphasizes that the remembrance of Allah brings tranquility and peace to the hearts of the believers.

When we reflect on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that calmness is not merely a state of being free from agitation or stress. Rather, it is a sign of intelligence and wisdom. A person who possesses true intelligence is able to maintain composure in the face of challenges, conflicts, and trials.

Intelligence is not solely measured by one's intellectual capacity or knowledge, but also by one's ability to control their emotions and maintain a balanced state of mind. Calmness allows individuals to think rationally, make sound decisions, and respond to situations with wisdom and clarity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this quality throughout his life. Despite facing numerous trials and tribulations, he remained calm and composed, relying on his deep understanding of the teachings of Islam.

When we observe the consequences of calmness in various situations, we find that it leads to positive outcomes. For instance, in times of conflict, a calm individual is more likely to find peaceful resolutions and avoid escalating tensions. In times of adversity, a calm person can think clearly and find solutions to overcome challenges.

Moreover, calmness fosters better communication and understanding. When we approach discussions and debates with a calm demeanor, we are more likely to listen attentively, respect differing opinions, and engage in constructive dialogue. This paves the way for mutual understanding and the growth of knowledge.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that calmness is not only a state of tranquility but also a sign of intelligence and wisdom. By maintaining composure in various situations, we are able to think clearly, make sound decisions, and navigate through life's challenges with grace. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate calmness within ourselves and seek wisdom through the teachings of the Quran and the exemplary life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).