Hadith #7185

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

The most intelligent person is the virtuous, fearful one.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore its deeper implications in light of the Quran.

The word (aql) "أعْقَلُ" in Arabic refers to intelligence, wisdom, and understanding. It signifies a person's ability to comprehend, reason, and make sound judgments. It encompasses not only intellectual intelligence but also emotional and spiritual intelligence. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses all aspects of human intellect.

The word (insan) "إنْسانِ" means a human being. It refers to the entire human race, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or social status. It emphasizes the universality of the message conveyed in this Hadith, as it applies to all individuals.

The word (muhsin) "مُحْسِنٌ" denotes a person who is virtuous, righteous, and does good deeds. It refers to someone who consistently strives to excel in their actions, seeking to please Allah and benefit others. A muhsin is one who embodies the qualities of righteousness, kindness, and compassion.

The word (kha'if) "خائِفٌ" means someone who is fearful or conscious of Allah's presence and His commandments. It signifies a deep sense of awe, reverence, and humility before the Creator. This fear is not a paralyzing fear but rather a fear that motivates one to be cautious and mindful of their actions, ensuring they align with the teachings of Islam.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of intelligence, righteousness, and fear of Him in numerous verses.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 4:125)

And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth? And Allah took Abraham as an intimate friend.

This verse highlights the correlation between righteousness and intelligence. The one who submits to Allah and performs good deeds is indeed the most intelligent person.

In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (Quran 49:13)

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and intelligence lie in righteousness. The one who fears Allah and strives to do good is elevated in the sight of Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic verses by highlighting the importance of virtuous actions and fear of Allah as essential components of true intelligence. It teaches us that intelligence is not limited to mere intellectual prowess but encompasses moral and spiritual dimensions as well.

A person who possesses intelligence in its true sense is one who recognizes the importance of righteousness and constantly strives to improve their character and actions. They are mindful of their responsibilities towards Allah and their fellow human beings. This intelligence guides them to make choices that are pleasing to Allah and beneficial to society.

Furthermore, the fear of Allah mentioned in the Hadith is not a fear that paralyzes or instills despair. Rather, it is a fear that motivates and inspires. It is a fear that drives a person to seek Allah's pleasure and avoid His displeasure. This fear acts as a safeguard, preventing one from falling into sinful behavior and guiding them towards the path of righteousness.

The consequences of embodying the qualities mentioned in this Hadith are profound. A person who is virtuous and God-conscious becomes a source of inspiration and guidance for others. Their actions and character reflect the beauty and wisdom of Islam, attracting others towards the path of righteousness. They become a positive influence in their families, communities, and society at large.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true intelligence lies in righteousness and fear of Allah. It reminds us that intelligence is not limited to intellectual abilities but encompasses moral and spiritual dimensions as well. By embodying these qualities, we can strive to become the most intelligent individuals, pleasing to Allah and beneficial to humanity. May Allah grant us the wisdom and guidance to understand and implement this Hadith in our lives.