Hadith #6996

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, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he poses a thought-provoking question,

Where are the intellects that light up (or that accompany) the lamps of guidance?

This statement is a call to action, urging Muslims to seek knowledge and understanding in order to illuminate their path towards guidance.

The word (intellects) "عُقُولُ" refers to the minds and intellects of individuals. It signifies the capacity for reasoning, understanding, and discernment. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is specifically addressing those intellects that are (light up) "مُسْتَصْبِحَةُ" or (accompany) "مُسْتَصْحَبَةُ". These intellects are described as lamps of guidance, indicating their ability to illuminate the path of righteousness and lead others towards the truth.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:22),

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.

This verse emphasizes the importance of utilizing our intellects and reasoning abilities to seek knowledge and understand the truth. It highlights the condemnation of those who neglect their intellectual capacities and fail to seek guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse emphasizes the superiority of those who possess knowledge and understanding over those who are ignorant. It highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and utilizing our intellects to distinguish between right and wrong.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) question in the Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to actively engage their intellects in the pursuit of knowledge and guidance. It urges us to seek the light of knowledge and understanding in order to navigate the complexities of life and make informed decisions.

By asking

Where are the intellects that light up (or that accompany) the lamps of guidance?

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is calling upon Muslims to reflect upon the state of their intellects. He is urging us to assess whether our intellects are actively seeking knowledge and illuminating our path towards guidance or whether they have become dormant and neglected.

The consequences of neglecting our intellects and failing to seek knowledge are dire. We risk falling into ignorance, misunderstanding, and misguidance. Conversely, by actively engaging our intellects and seeking knowledge, we empower ourselves to make informed decisions, understand the teachings of Islam, and navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and clarity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) question also serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive for intellectual growth and development. It encourages us to constantly seek knowledge, engage in critical thinking, and deepen our understanding of Islam. By doing so, we not only benefit ourselves but also become beacons of guidance for others, illuminating their path towards righteousness and truth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to actively engage their intellects in the pursuit of knowledge and guidance. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, utilizing our reasoning abilities, and constantly striving for intellectual growth. By doing so, we not only benefit ourselves but also become sources of guidance for others, illuminating their path towards righteousness and truth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and motivation to actively engage our intellects in the pursuit of knowledge and guidance.