Hadith #7110

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

مَنِ اسْتَرْفَدَ العَقْلَ أرْفَدَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who seeks the support of the intellect is supported by it.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. (istarfada) "استرفد" means to seek or ask for support, while (al-'aql) "العقل" refers to the intellect or rationality. The word (arfaadahu) "أرفد" means to be supported or assisted.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of using our intellect and reasoning abilities in making decisions and seeking guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 164, Allah says,

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.

This verse highlights the signs of Allah's creation as a means for us to reflect and use our intellect to recognize His existence and greatness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 43, Allah says,

And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge.

This verse emphasizes the importance of knowledge and understanding, which are closely tied to the intellect. It is through the proper use of our intellect that we can gain knowledge and understanding of the signs of Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic teachings by highlighting the importance of seeking support from the intellect. When we rely on our intellect and use it as a guiding force in our lives, we are supported and assisted by it. This support manifests in various aspects of our lives, including decision-making, problem-solving, and understanding the world around us.

For example, when faced with a moral dilemma, we can turn to our intellect to analyze the situation, consider the consequences, and make a wise and ethical choice. By seeking the support of our intellect, we are more likely to make decisions that align with the teachings of Islam and bring about positive outcomes.

Similarly, in matters of faith, our intellect can help us understand and appreciate the deeper meanings of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By engaging our intellect, we can reflect on the verses of the Quran, ponder over their implications, and deepen our understanding of our faith. This intellectual engagement strengthens our connection with Allah and enhances our spiritual growth.

Moreover, seeking the support of the intellect enables us to critically evaluate information and distinguish between truth and falsehood. In today's world, where misinformation and false ideologies abound, our intellect acts as a shield, protecting us from falling into falsehood and guiding us towards the truth.

The consequences of neglecting the intellect are evident in the world around us. When individuals disregard reason and blindly follow their desires or the opinions of others, they often find themselves in situations of confusion, ignorance, and even harm. By contrast, those who actively seek the support of their intellect are more likely to make informed choices, navigate challenges with wisdom, and lead fulfilling lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking the support of our intellect. By utilizing our reasoning abilities, we are able to make sound decisions, deepen our understanding of our faith, and navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and clarity. May Allah bless us with the ability to seek and utilize the support of our intellect, and may He guide us on the path of knowledge and understanding.