Hadith #7188

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

The most intelligent of people is the most submissive of them to Allah, the Glorified.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words used in this Hadith. The word (Aqal) "أعْقَلُ" refers to intelligence, wisdom, and rationality. It encompasses the ability to comprehend, analyze, and make sound judgments. The word (Atwa) "أطْوَعُ" means submission, obedience, and compliance. It signifies willingly surrendering oneself to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and following His commands.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we find numerous Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of intelligence and submission to Allah. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269),

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and he to whom wisdom is granted indeed receives a benefit overflowing.

This verse highlights that intelligence and wisdom are bestowed upon individuals by the grace of Allah. It is through this divine gift that one can attain true understanding and make informed decisions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:208), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of complete submission to Allah and warns against following the whispers of Satan. True intelligence lies in recognizing the true path of peace and righteousness and adhering to it wholeheartedly.

Now, let us reflect on the meaning of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. The Hadith teaches us that true intelligence is not merely measured by worldly knowledge or intellectual prowess, but rather by the level of one's submission to Allah. It is the ability to recognize the ultimate wisdom and authority of Allah and to willingly submit to His commands.

An intelligent person, as described in this Hadith, is one who understands that true success lies in aligning their will with the will of Allah. They recognize that Allah, being the All-Knowing and All-Wise, knows what is best for His creation. Therefore, they humbly submit to His guidance and strive to live their lives in accordance with His teachings.

This submission to Allah is not blind obedience, but rather a conscious choice made by an individual who has recognized the truth and wisdom in Allah's commands. It is a reflection of their deep faith and trust in Allah's divine plan. Such individuals seek knowledge and understanding of Allah's guidance through the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

The consequences of embodying this Hadith are profound. When a person becomes the most submissive to Allah, they open themselves up to immense blessings and guidance from Him. Their actions become aligned with the divine will, and they are guided towards righteousness and success in this world and the Hereafter.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder for us to constantly evaluate our level of submission to Allah. It prompts us to reflect on our actions and intentions, ensuring that they are in line with the teachings of Islam. It encourages us to seek knowledge and understanding of our faith, so that we may make informed choices and decisions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true intelligence lies in our level of submission to Allah. It is through this submission that we attain wisdom, guidance, and success in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to be among those who are truly intelligent by being the most submissive to Him.