Hadith #8039

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مِنْ أقْبَحِ الشِّيَمِ الغَباوَةُ۔

This can be translated as,

Imbecility is from the most detestable of traits.

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the repugnance of the trait of imbecility or foolishness.

To better understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key terms. (aqbah) "أقْبَحِ" refers to something that is extremely ugly, repulsive, or detestable. It signifies the utmost level of ugliness and abhorrence. (shiyam) "الشِّيَمِ" refers to traits or characteristics that define an individual's behavior or personality. It encompasses the various qualities that shape a person's moral and ethical conduct. Lastly, (al-ghabawatu) "الغَباوَةُ" refers to imbecility, foolishness, or stupidity. It denotes a lack of intelligence, wisdom, and discernment.

In light of the Quran, we find numerous verses that emphasize the importance of wisdom, intellect, and sound judgment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269),

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

This verse highlights the value of wisdom and how it is a blessing bestowed upon those whom Allah chooses. It is through wisdom that one can navigate through life's challenges and make sound decisions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.'

This verse narrates the incident of Prophet Musa (Moses) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) where he acted impulsively without considering the consequences. It serves as a lesson to avoid hasty actions and to exercise wisdom and prudence in every situation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the repugnance of imbecility and the importance of cultivating wisdom and intellect. Imbecility leads to poor decision-making, lack of understanding, and ignorance. It hinders personal growth, impedes progress, and can have detrimental consequences in various aspects of life, including relationships, education, and societal interactions.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the significance of seeking knowledge, expanding our intellectual horizons, and developing critical thinking skills. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his vast knowledge and wisdom, and he serves as an exemplar for Muslims in their pursuit of intellectual growth. By nurturing our intellect, we can make informed choices, contribute positively to society, and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the abhorrence of imbecility and emphasizes the importance of wisdom and intellect in our lives. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to seek knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, and make informed decisions. By doing so, we can avoid the detestable trait of imbecility and strive for personal and societal growth in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern right from wrong and to always strive for excellence in our conduct.