Hadith #7209

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, "العاقلُ مَهْمُومٌ، مَغْمُومٌ۔" This Hadith can be translated into English as,

The intelligent one is grieved, sorrowful.

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

The word (intelligent) "عاقل" in this Hadith refers to a person who possesses wisdom, understanding, and deep insight. It is someone who is not only knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge in a practical and meaningful way. This person is not easily swayed by emotions or temporary desires, but rather makes decisions based on reason and foresight.

The word (grieved) "مهموم" signifies a state of deep concern and worry. It implies that the intelligent person is not oblivious to the challenges and difficulties of life. They are aware of the injustices, sufferings, and trials that exist in the world. This grief stems from their empathy and compassion for others, as well as their recognition of the imperfections and flaws in the society they live in.

Similarly, the word (sorrowful) "مغموم" conveys a sense of sadness and sorrow. It reflects the intelligent person's profound understanding of the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the inevitability of pain and loss. This sorrow is not born out of despair, but rather out of a deep awareness of the fleeting nature of this worldly life and the need to strive for eternal success.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:190-191),

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. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], 'Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

These verses highlight the importance of reflection and contemplation for those who possess understanding. The intelligent person is not content with superficial knowledge but seeks to delve deeper into the signs of Allah's creation. They recognize the purpose and wisdom behind the existence of the heavens and the earth, and they strive to align their actions with the divine guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of worldly pursuits and the need for the intelligent person to recognize the ultimate futility of chasing after material possessions and temporary pleasures. They understand that true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah and working towards the betterment of society, rather than being consumed by worldly desires.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the beautiful message behind the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The intelligent person, who possesses deep insight and wisdom, is not immune to grief and sorrow. They are acutely aware of the challenges and injustices of the world, and this awareness motivates them to take action and strive for positive change.

Their grief is not a sign of weakness, but rather a reflection of their empathy and compassion for others. It is a driving force that compels them to work towards alleviating the suffering of those around them and to seek justice and fairness in society. Their sorrow, on the other hand, reminds them of the transient nature of this worldly life and the need to prioritize the pursuit of eternal success.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true intelligence is not limited to mere knowledge, but encompasses a deep understanding of the world and a profound awareness of the purpose of our existence. It urges us to be proactive in addressing the challenges of our time and to strive for justice, compassion, and the pleasure of Allah. May we all strive to be intelligent individuals who are grieved and sorrowful for the right reasons, and may Allah guide us on the path of wisdom and righteousness.