Hadith #3972

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Religion and good manners are a result of intelligence.

This amazing Hadith emphasizes the close relationship between intellect, religion, and moral conduct. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (deen) "دين" refers to religion or faith. It encompasses the beliefs, practices, and values that guide a person's life. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses both the external rituals and the internal spiritual dimensions of faith. The word (adab) "أدب" refers to good manners, etiquette, and proper behavior. It encompasses the way we interact with others, showing respect, kindness, and consideration.

The word (nateejah) "نتيجة" means result or consequence. It implies that intelligence leads to the development of religion and good manners. Intelligence here refers to intellectual capacity, reasoning, and understanding. It is through the proper use of our intellect that we can comprehend the teachings of religion and apply them in our daily lives.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the correlation between intellect, religion, and good manners. 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 highlights the importance of using our intellect to comprehend and follow the teachings of Islam.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of good manners and righteous conduct in Islam.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that intelligence plays a crucial role in the development of religion and good manners. It is through the proper use of our intellect that we can understand the teachings of Islam, reflect upon them, and implement them in our lives. Without intelligence, our faith and moral conduct may lack depth and sincerity.

Intelligence enables us to comprehend the wisdom behind the religious teachings, motivating us to adhere to them wholeheartedly. It allows us to understand the consequences of our actions and make informed decisions based on the principles of Islam. For example, an intelligent person will recognize the importance of honesty, kindness, and justice in their interactions with others, as these qualities are emphasized in the teachings of Islam.

Moreover, intelligence helps us navigate the complexities of life and make choices that align with our religious values. It enables us to distinguish between right and wrong, guiding us towards actions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). An intelligent person will strive to improve their character, seeking knowledge, and practicing self-reflection to enhance their understanding of religion and develop good manners.

Conversely, a lack of intelligence can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and misguided actions. Without intellectual capacity, one may struggle to grasp the true essence of religion, leading to superficial or distorted practices. Similarly, without intelligence, one may lack the empathy and understanding necessary for good manners, resulting in rude or disrespectful behavior towards others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the integral role of intelligence in the development of religion and good manners. It reminds us that true faith and moral conduct are not merely superficial acts but are rooted in deep understanding and reflection. By utilizing our intellect to comprehend and apply the teachings of Islam, we can cultivate a strong faith and embody the noble qualities of good manners. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and intelligence to strengthen our religion and adorn ourselves with the best of manners.