Hadith #7126

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ قَعَدَ بِهِ العَقْلُ قامَ بِهِ الجَهْلُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who is held back by intellect is driven forward by ignorance.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (aql) "عَقْلُ" refers to intellect or rationality, while (jahil) "جَهْلُ" refers to ignorance or lack of knowledge. The word (qa'ada) "قَعَدَ" means to be held back or restrained, while (qaama) "قَامَ" means to be driven forward or propelled.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6),

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of using intellect and knowledge to verify information before acting upon it. It warns against the consequences of acting based on ignorance, which can lead to harm and regret.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights the significance of utilizing intellect and reason in our lives. It emphasizes that those who neglect their intellect and fail to seek knowledge are considered among the worst of creatures in the sight of Allah.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The Hadith teaches us that when one is held back by their intellect, meaning they fail to utilize their rationality and knowledge, they are driven forward by ignorance. This means that when individuals neglect the use of their intellect, they become susceptible to the influence of ignorance, which can lead them astray and cause them to make poor decisions.

For example, if a person fails to critically analyze information and blindly follows the opinions of others without using their intellect, they may fall into the trap of misinformation or false ideologies. This can lead to harmful consequences not only for themselves but also for society as a whole. On the other hand, when individuals actively engage their intellect and seek knowledge, they are able to make informed decisions and avoid the pitfalls of ignorance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, which he acquired through his close association with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his own intellectual pursuits. He was known for his deep understanding of the Quran and his ability to apply its teachings in various aspects of life. Therefore, his statement in this Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to prioritize the use of intellect and knowledge in all aspects of their lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of utilizing our intellect and seeking knowledge. It warns against the consequences of neglecting our rationality and blindly following ignorance. As Muslims, it is our duty to constantly seek knowledge, critically analyze information, and make informed decisions based on intellect and reason. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of knowledge and wisdom.