Hadith #7061

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of intellect and understanding in the life of a Muslim. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights two key aspects of the intellect: considering the consequences of our actions and being content with the decree of Allah.

The word (intellect) "عَقْلِ" refers to the faculty of reasoning and understanding. It is a divine gift bestowed upon human beings to differentiate between right and wrong, to make informed decisions, and to comprehend the consequences of our actions. The intellect is a powerful tool that enables us to navigate through the complexities of life and make choices that align with the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the highest level of intellect is to consider the (consequences) "عَواقِبِ" of our actions. This means that a true believer should not only focus on the immediate gratification or benefits of their actions but also contemplate the long-term effects and outcomes. By doing so, one can make decisions that are not only beneficial in the present but also in the future, both in this world and the hereafter.

The Quran supports this concept of considering the consequences of our actions in several verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18):

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۖ وَلْتَنظُرْ نَفْسٌ مَّا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse reminds us to be conscious of our actions and to consider the consequences of our deeds. It encourages us to reflect on the choices we make in the present and how they will impact our future. By doing so, we can strive to align our actions with the teachings of Islam and seek the pleasure of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the importance of being content with the decree of Allah. He states that the intellect reaches its pinnacle when one is pleased and accepts what has been decreed by Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This highlights the significance of having trust in the divine wisdom and accepting the trials and tribulations that come our way.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

وَعَسَىٰ أَن تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰ أَن تُحِبُّوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَّكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse reminds us that Allah's decree is based on His infinite knowledge and wisdom. Sometimes, we may dislike certain events or circumstances, but they may actually be beneficial for us in the long run. On the other hand, we may desire something that is harmful to us. Therefore, it is essential for a believer to have faith in Allah's plan and be content with His decree, knowing that He knows what is best for us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying serves as a guiding principle for Muslims. By considering the consequences of our actions and being content with the decree of Allah, we can strive to lead a life that is in accordance with the teachings of Islam. This requires us to use our intellect to make informed decisions, reflect on the long-term effects of our choices, and trust in Allah's divine wisdom. May Allah grant us the ability to understand and implement the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.