Hadith #7232

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,

زَلَّةُ العاقِلِ شَديدَةُ النِّكايَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

The lapse of an intelligent person is a crushing blow.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (zallat) "زَلَّةُ" refers to a lapse or a mistake. It signifies a momentary slip or error in judgment. The word (aqli) "عاقِلِ" refers to an intelligent or rational person. It denotes someone who possesses wisdom, understanding, and the ability to make sound decisions. Finally, the word (nikaya) "نِّكايَةِ" means a crushing blow or a severe consequence. It implies that the consequences of the lapse of an intelligent person are grave and far-reaching.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269:

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom, he indeed is given a great good.

This verse highlights the importance of wisdom and intelligence in the eyes of Allah. It is a divine gift that enables individuals to navigate through the complexities of life and make wise choices.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 14, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And when he reached his full strength and was [mentally] mature, We bestowed upon him wisdom and knowledge. And thus do We reward the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes that wisdom and knowledge are bestowed upon individuals who have reached maturity and are capable of utilizing their intelligence for the betterment of themselves and others.

Now, let us reflect on the connotation of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The lapse of an intelligent person carries significant weight because it is unexpected and contrary to the expectations placed upon them. When an intelligent person makes a mistake, it is not just a simple error but a crushing blow that affects not only themselves but also those around them.

For example, imagine a wise and knowledgeable leader who, due to a momentary lapse, makes a decision that leads to disastrous consequences for their community. The impact of their mistake is far-reaching, affecting the lives and well-being of countless individuals. This is why the consequences of the lapse of an intelligent person are severe and can have long-lasting effects.

This Hadith serves as a reminder to all Muslims of the importance of utilizing our intelligence and wisdom in every aspect of our lives. It cautions us against complacency and urges us to be vigilant in our decision-making processes. It teaches us that even the most intelligent among us are not immune to making mistakes, and we must strive to learn from our errors and rectify them.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the lapse of an intelligent person is not to be taken lightly. It is a crushing blow that carries severe consequences. As Muslims, we should strive to cultivate our intelligence and wisdom, seeking guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his holy progeny. By doing so, we can avoid such lapses and make decisions that are in line with the teachings of Islam, benefiting ourselves and those around us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to make sound choices and protect us from the consequences of our mistakes.