Hadith #4411

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.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the importance of intelligence and mindfulness in seeking guidance. Let us delve into the key words of this hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (intelligent one) "عاقِلُ" refers to an individual who possesses intellectual capacity and wisdom. This person has the ability to think critically and make sound judgments. However, if this intelligent person becomes (heedless) "لاَّهي", meaning they are negligent or distracted, they will deviate from the path of (right guidance) "الرُّشْدَ".

The term "الرُّشْدَ" refers to the straight path of righteousness and guidance that leads to success in this life and the hereafter. It is the path that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has prescribed for humanity through His divine revelation. Straying from this path can lead to spiritual and moral corruption.

On the other hand, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the one who strives with seriousness and determination, with (striving and seriousness) "الاِجْتِهادِ والجِدِّ", will attain the right guidance. This implies that one must actively seek knowledge, reflect upon it, and apply it in their lives. It requires sincere effort and dedication.

To further understand the significance of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:69),

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse affirms that those who exert effort and strive in the way of Allah will be guided by Him. It is a promise from Allah that He will assist and support those who sincerely seek His guidance. This aligns with the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the hadith, emphasizing the importance of striving and seriousness in the pursuit of guidance.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights the importance of righteousness and mindfulness in our journey towards guidance. It reminds us that true intelligence lies in seeking righteousness and fearing Allah. It is through this consciousness and awareness that we can attain true guidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be vigilant and mindful in their pursuit of guidance. It urges us to utilize our intellectual capacity and strive with seriousness to avoid being led astray. It encourages us to seek knowledge, reflect upon it, and apply it in our lives.

By doing so, we can align ourselves with the straight path of righteousness and attain success in this life and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the intelligence, mindfulness, and determination to seek and follow the right guidance. May He bless us with the ability to strive sincerely in His path and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.