Hadith #3117

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

غَرَّ عَقْلَهُ مَنْ أتْبَعَهُ الخُدَعَ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of using our intelligence wisely and not allowing it to be deceived or misled.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (gharra) "غَرَّ" means to deceive or delude. It refers to the act of leading someone astray or causing them to be misguided. The word (aqlahu) "عَقْلَهُ" refers to one's intelligence or intellect. It is the faculty of reasoning and understanding that distinguishes humans from other creatures. And finally, the word (khuda'a) "خُدَعَ" means deceptions or tricks. It refers to the cunning tactics and deceitful strategies that are employed to mislead others.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of using our intellect and reasoning abilities in the right way. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197, Allah says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights the significance of using our intellect to develop a consciousness of Allah and to make choices that are in accordance with His guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 22, Allah says,

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

This verse emphasizes that those who do not utilize their intellect and reasoning abilities are considered to be among the worst of creatures. It serves as a reminder for us to constantly engage our minds and seek knowledge in order to avoid falling into ignorance and deception.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that if we allow our intelligence to follow deceptions, we will ultimately deceive ourselves. This means that if we are easily swayed by false information, misguided ideologies, or deceptive individuals, our intellect will be compromised and we will lose our ability to make sound judgments and decisions.

When we examine the consequences of following deceptions, we find that it leads to a multitude of negative outcomes. For example, it can lead to the adoption of false beliefs, the acceptance of harmful ideologies, and the perpetuation of injustice and oppression. It can also lead to the erosion of trust, both within ourselves and in our relationships with others. Ultimately, following deceptions can lead to a life of confusion, dissatisfaction, and spiritual emptiness.

On the other hand, if we use our intellect to seek knowledge, understand the truth, and make informed decisions, we will be able to navigate through the complexities of life with clarity and wisdom. By relying on authentic sources of knowledge, such as the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can protect ourselves from falling into the traps of deception.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. He was the gate to the city of knowledge, and his teachings continue to guide and inspire Muslims to this day. His statement in this Hadith serves as a reminder for us to be vigilant in using our intellect and to seek knowledge from reliable sources. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from being deceived and ensure that our intelligence remains steadfast and guided by the truth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of using our intelligence wisely and not allowing it to be deceived. It urges us to seek knowledge, understand the truth, and make informed decisions based on authentic sources. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from falling into the traps of deception and lead a life guided by wisdom and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to use our intellect in the best possible way and protect us from being misled.