Hadith #8748

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 noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully describes the characteristics of a fool and an intelligent person. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith.

The word (ahmaq) "أحمق" refers to a fool or an ignorant person. It is derived from the root word (hamaqa) "حَمَقَ", which means to be foolish or lacking in understanding. The fool is someone who speaks without thinking, allowing their tongue to lead them, and their heart follows suit. On the other hand, the word (aql) "عاقل" refers to an intelligent or wise person. It is derived from the root word (aqa) "عَقَلَ", which means to have intellect or reason. The intelligent person is someone who thinks before they speak, allowing their heart to guide their tongue.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 55:

(Quran 28:55)

And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, 'For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding engaging in foolish speech and instead focusing on one's own actions. The intelligent person, as described by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), understands the consequences of their words and seeks to maintain peace by refraining from engaging with the ignorant.

Another verse that sheds light on the wisdom of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words is found in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 6:

(Quran 49:6)

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 highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding before passing judgment or spreading information. The intelligent person, as described by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), is cautious with their words and seeks to avoid harm that may arise from ignorance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their speech and to think before they speak. It encourages us to cultivate wisdom and understanding in our hearts, allowing our tongues to be guided by reason and knowledge. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of foolishness and ignorance, and instead contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious society.

Let us reflect on our own words and actions, striving to emulate the characteristics of an intelligent person as described by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to speak with knowledge and understanding, and protect us from the pitfalls of ignorance and foolishness.