Hadith #7051

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, and his righteous companions.

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

ثَمَرَةُ العَقْلِ لُزوُمُ الحَقِّ۔

This can be translated as,

The fruit of intellect is adherence to the truth.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (aql) "عَقْلِ" in this Hadith refers to intellect or rationality. It is the faculty of reasoning, understanding, and discernment that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon humans. It is through our intellect that we are able to comprehend and distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood.

The word (luzum) "لُزوُمُ" in the Hadith means adherence or commitment. It signifies the act of firmly holding onto something, not letting go, and remaining steadfast. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the intellectual commitment to the truth.

The Hadith emphasizes that the true fruit of intellect lies in adhering to the truth. This means that true intellect is not merely about having knowledge or being intelligent, but it is about using that intellect to recognize and embrace the truth. It is about aligning our thoughts, beliefs, and actions with what is truly right and just.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256),

There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse highlights the importance of adhering to the truth and the freedom of choice in matters of religion. It emphasizes that the truth is distinct from falsehood and that those who believe in Allah and reject false deities have firmly grasped the most trustworthy handhold. This verse affirms the significance of intellectual commitment to the truth.

Another verse that resonates with the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse encourages believers to use their intellect and critical thinking skills when receiving information. It emphasizes the importance of verifying the truthfulness of information before acting upon it. It reminds us that blindly following rumors or false claims can lead to harm and regret. This verse reinforces the idea that true intellect involves adhering to the truth and not being swayed by falsehood.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we realize that the fruit of intellect is not limited to personal gain or worldly success. Rather, it is about aligning ourselves with the ultimate truth, which is the path of righteousness and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is about using our intellect to discern between right and wrong, to seek knowledge, and to make informed decisions in all aspects of life.

When we adhere to the truth, our actions become guided by divine wisdom and our character is shaped by moral values. This intellectual commitment to the truth leads to a life of righteousness, justice, and compassion. It motivates us to seek knowledge, to question and challenge falsehood, and to strive for personal and societal growth.

Conversely, neglecting or misusing our intellect can lead to ignorance, confusion, and deviation from the truth. It can result in following baseless beliefs, engaging in harmful actions, and causing harm to ourselves and others. Therefore, the Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to nurture and utilize their intellect in the pursuit of truth and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the true fruit of intellect lies in our commitment to the truth. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our thoughts, beliefs, and actions with what is truly right and just. By adhering to the truth, we become guided by divine wisdom and lead a life of righteousness and compassion. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to use our intellect to seek and adhere to the truth.