Hadith #7192

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the qualities that make a person truly intelligent and wise. The Hadith states,

The most intelligent of people is the best of them in estimating his livelihood and the most serious of them in endeavoring to improve his Hereafter.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (aqlan) "عَقْلًا" refers to intelligence or intellect. It encompasses the ability to think, reason, and make sound judgments. (taqdeeran) "تَقْدِيرًا" means estimation or assessment, specifically in the context of one's livelihood. (islahi) "إِصْلَاحِ" means improvement or rectification, and (ma'adi) "مَعَادِ" refers to the Hereafter, the eternal life that awaits us after death.

To further comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of both worldly affairs and the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2: 265)

Whoever desires the harvest of the Hereafter - We increase for him in his harvest. And whoever desires the harvest of this world - We give him thereof, but there is not for him in the Hereafter any share

This verse highlights the significance of striking a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual aspirations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, Allah narrates the story of the man with two gardens. When the man became arrogant and forgot the Hereafter, his gardens were destroyed. Allah says, (18: 35-36)

And he entered his garden while he was unjust to himself. He said, 'I do not think that this will perish - ever. And I do not think the Hour will occur. And even if I should be brought back to my Lord, I will surely find better than this as a return'

This serves as a reminder that neglecting the Hereafter and being solely focused on worldly gains can lead to disastrous consequences.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true intelligence lies in the ability to estimate and manage our livelihood wisely. This means being mindful of our financial responsibilities, planning for the future, and avoiding excessive materialism. However, it is crucial to remember that our worldly pursuits should not overshadow our spiritual growth and preparation for the Hereafter. We must prioritize our efforts to improve our spiritual state, seek forgiveness for our sins, and engage in acts of worship and charity.

By striking a balance between our worldly affairs and our spiritual obligations, we can attain true intelligence and wisdom. This intelligence is not limited to intellectual prowess but extends to the realm of self-awareness, self-discipline, and the pursuit of eternal success. It is the intelligence that enables us to navigate the complexities of life while keeping our ultimate purpose in mind.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of self-evaluation and introspection. We should constantly assess our priorities, actions, and intentions, ensuring that we are not neglecting our Hereafter in pursuit of worldly gains. This Hadith serves as a motivation to be proactive in our spiritual journey, constantly striving for self-improvement and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true intelligence lies in the balance between estimating our livelihood wisely and being serious in our efforts to improve our Hereafter. By drawing upon the guidance of the Quran, we understand the importance of striking a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual obligations. May Allah grant us the wisdom to navigate this world with intelligence and the determination to strive for success in the Hereafter.