Hadith #3114

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of using intellect and discernment when interacting with others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that being at ease with every person before gauging them is a sign of lacking intellect. To fully understand the wisdom behind this statement, let us delve into the key words and their meanings.

The word (tumāninah) "طُمَأْنِينَةُ" refers to a state of tranquility, peace, and ease. It signifies a sense of comfort and contentment within oneself. The word (ikhtibār) "اِخْتِبَارِ" means to test, evaluate, or gauge someone's character or qualities. Lastly, the word (qusūr) "قُصُورِ" denotes the shortcomings or limitations of the intellect.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of using intellect and discernment in various verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah 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 Muslims to verify the information they receive before passing judgment or taking action. It highlights the significance of using intellect and discernment to avoid harming others based on incomplete or false information.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:22), Allah says,

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.

This verse emphasizes the importance of using reason and intellect in order to be considered among the best of Allah's creation. It serves as a reminder that lacking intellect and failing to use reason can lead to negative consequences and a diminished status in the sight of Allah.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, is teaching us that it is essential to exercise discernment and judgment when dealing with others. Being at ease with every person without first gauging their character or qualities can lead to potential harm or negative consequences.

For instance, if we trust someone without assessing their trustworthiness, we may fall victim to deception or betrayal. Similarly, if we befriend someone without understanding their values and beliefs, we may find ourselves in conflict or disagreement later on. Therefore, it is crucial to use our intellect and discernment to evaluate individuals before establishing relationships or placing trust in them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection. By recognizing our own limitations and shortcomings, we can avoid being overly trusting or naive. It is through the proper use of intellect and discernment that we can navigate the complexities of human interactions and make informed decisions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to utilize their intellect and discernment when dealing with others. Being at ease with every person before gauging them is a sign of lacking intellect. By referring to the Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of using reason and intellect, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to navigate our interactions with others in the best possible manner.