Hadith #7167

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of knowledge, action, sincerity, and seclusion. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to focus on is (intelligent or wise person) "عاقل". In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises those who possess wisdom and understanding. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 14, Allah says,

And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.'

Here, Prophet Musa (Moses) displayed wisdom by intervening to stop the fight, recognizing the injustice being committed. This highlights the importance of intelligence and knowledge in guiding our actions.

The next word is (act or deed) "عمل". The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the significance of righteous actions. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 277, Allah says,

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse emphasizes the inseparable connection between belief and action. It is not enough to simply possess knowledge; one must put that knowledge into practice through righteous deeds.

The third word is (sincerely or with purity of intention) "أخلص". Sincerity is a fundamental aspect of worship in Islam. In Surah Al-Zumar, verse 3, Allah says,

Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion. And those who take protectors besides Him [say], 'We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in position.' Indeed, Allah will judge between them concerning that over which they differ. Indeed, Allah does not guide he who is a liar and [confirmed] disbeliever.

This verse highlights the importance of sincerity in worship, as Allah alone deserves our devotion and worship. When we act with sincerity, our actions become pure and pleasing to Allah.

The final word is (secludes himself or isolates himself) "اعتزل". Seclusion or isolation can have different meanings depending on the context. In this Hadith, it refers to withdrawing from worldly distractions and focusing on one's spiritual development. In Surah Al-Mujadila, verse 11, Allah says,

O you who have believed, when you are told, 'Space yourselves' in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you. And when you are told, 'Arise,' then arise; Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse highlights the importance of creating space and seclusion for the purpose of seeking knowledge and spiritual growth. By isolating ourselves from distractions, we can focus on deepening our understanding and connection with Allah.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true intelligence lies in the combination of knowledge, action, sincerity, and seclusion. Knowledge without action is futile, as it does not bring about any positive change. Similarly, action without sincerity is insincere and lacks the essence of true worship. Finally, seclusion or isolation is necessary to detach ourselves from worldly distractions and focus on our spiritual growth.

By acting upon the knowledge we acquire, with sincerity and seclusion, we can attain a higher level of consciousness and closeness to Allah. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly seek knowledge, apply it in their actions, purify their intentions, and create moments of seclusion to strengthen their relationship with Allah.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to act upon the knowledge we acquire, the sincerity to purify our intentions, and the ability to find moments of seclusion to deepen our connection with Him. May He guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.