Hadith #7275

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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,

لا أشْجَعَ مِنْ لَبيب۔

This statement highlights the virtue of intelligence and its connection to courage. To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word "لا" means "there is none" or

there is no one.

It emphasizes the uniqueness and exclusivity of the quality being described. In this case, it refers to the quality of courage.

The word "أشْجَعَ" comes from the root "شَجَعَ" which means "to be courageous" or "to be brave." It signifies the strength and fearlessness in the face of challenges and adversity.

The word "مِنْ" means "than" or "more than." It establishes a comparison, indicating that the quality being described is unparalleled and superior to others.

The word "لَبيب" refers to an intelligent person, someone who possesses deep understanding, wisdom, and insight. It encompasses the ability to analyze situations, make sound judgments, and act wisely.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises the virtue of intelligence and wisdom in numerous verses.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:30)

And when your Lord said to the angels, 'Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.' They said, 'Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?' Allah said, 'Indeed, I know that which you do not know.'

This verse highlights the superiority of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) over the angels due to his intellect and knowledge. Allah's knowledge and understanding surpasses that of the angels, and this wisdom is bestowed upon human beings as well.

In Surah Al-Anbiya, Allah says, (Quran 21:79)

And We bestowed upon him (Solomon) wisdom and sound judgment.

This verse speaks of the wisdom and intelligence granted to Prophet Solomon (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), enabling him to make wise decisions and rulings.

From these verses, we can infer that intelligence is a divine gift bestowed upon select individuals. It is a quality that enables one to navigate through life's challenges and make informed choices. It is this intelligence that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) praises as the source of true courage.

When an individual possesses intelligence, they are able to assess situations accurately, identify the best course of action, and act fearlessly in the face of adversity. Their wisdom guides them to make courageous decisions that benefit themselves and others.

Intelligence and courage are intertwined qualities. Without intelligence, courage can be reckless and misguided. Conversely, intelligence without courage can lead to inaction and missed opportunities. It is the combination of these two virtues that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights in this Hadith.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this profound connection between intelligence and courage. His vast knowledge and wisdom enabled him to make wise decisions and judgments, even in the most challenging circumstances. His courage, rooted in his deep understanding of the truth, allowed him to stand firm in the face of oppression and injustice.

As Muslims, we are encouraged to seek knowledge and develop our intellect. By doing so, we not only enhance our own understanding and wisdom but also cultivate the courage to stand up for justice and truth. Let us strive to be like the intelligent ones, who possess the courage to make a positive impact in the world and uphold the values of Islam.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and courage to navigate through life's challenges and inspire us to seek knowledge that benefits ourselves and humanity as a whole.