Hadith #7125

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

مَنْ فاتَهُ العَقْلُ لَمْ يَعْدُهُ الذُّلُّ۔

This can be translated as,

One who loses his wits is not bypassed by abasement.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (fatahu) "فاتَهُ" means "to lose" or

to miss out on.

(al-'aql) "العَقْلُ" refers to "intellect" or "reason." And (adh-dhull) "الذُّلُّ" means "abasement" or "humiliation."

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of intellect and reason in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (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 significance of utilizing our intellect and reasoning abilities in order to avoid being among those who are despised by Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah states, (2:11-12)

And when it is said to them, 'Do not cause corruption on the earth,' they say, 'We are but reformers.' Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive it not.

This verse highlights the consequences of losing one's intellect and reason, as it leads to corruption and ignorance.

Now, let us reflect on the exegesis of the Hadith itself. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense wisdom and knowledge, reminds us of the dire consequences of losing our wits. When a person neglects their intellect and fails to utilize reason, they become susceptible to abasement and humiliation.

Losing one's wits can manifest in various ways. It can refer to abandoning rational thinking and blindly following base desires or succumbing to ignorance and heedlessness. When an individual lacks the ability to think critically and make sound decisions, they become vulnerable to making foolish choices that can lead to their own degradation.

For instance, if a person disregards their intellect and engages in dishonest practices, they may find themselves facing the consequences of their actions, such as loss of reputation, trust, and respect. Similarly, if someone neglects their reasoning abilities and falls into the trap of false ideologies or harmful behaviors, they may suffer from the negative repercussions of their choices.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against such a path, reminding us that losing our wits ultimately leads to abasement. By neglecting our intellect, we distance ourselves from the guidance of Allah and the teachings of Islam. We become susceptible to falling into ignorance, arrogance, and moral decay, which can result in humiliation and disgrace in this world and the hereafter.

Therefore, it is imperative for Muslims to nurture and develop their intellect and reasoning abilities. We must seek knowledge, ponder upon the Quranic verses, and strive to make informed decisions based on sound judgment. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the pitfalls of ignorance and ensure that we are not bypassed by abasement.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to value and utilize their intellect and reason. By doing so, we safeguard ourselves from the consequences of losing our wits and falling into abasement. May Allah grant us the wisdom and guidance to always make choices that elevate us and protect us from humiliation.