Hadith #7171

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The intelligent one is neither pushed to the extreme by violence nor is he hampered by weakness.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the balanced and moderate approach that a person of intellect should adopt in their actions and decisions.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (intelligent) "عاقل" refers to someone who possesses wisdom, understanding, and the ability to make sound judgments. It is a quality that is highly praised in Islam and is emphasized throughout the Quran. The word (extreme) "فرط" signifies going beyond the limits or boundaries, while (violence) "عنف" refers to the use of force or aggression. On the other hand, (hampered) "قعد" means to be hindered or impeded, and (weakness) "ضعف" refers to a state of feebleness or lack of strength.

To further comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:143),

And thus We have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced and just approach in our actions and interactions with others. It encourages us to avoid extremes and to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in being witnesses of justice and moderation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:78), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.

This verse highlights the concept of striving in the path of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) while maintaining a balanced approach. It assures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not burden us with excessive hardships or difficulties in practicing our religion.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The intelligent individual is one who avoids being pushed to the extreme by violence. This means that they do not resort to aggression, force, or any form of extremism in their actions or beliefs. They understand that Islam promotes peace, justice, and compassion, and they strive to embody these principles in their daily lives.

Similarly, the intelligent person is not hampered by weakness. This implies that they do not allow their weaknesses or limitations to hinder their progress or prevent them from fulfilling their responsibilities. They recognize their strengths and weaknesses, and they strive to overcome any obstacles that may come their way. They seek knowledge, develop their skills, and make the most of their abilities, all while relying on the guidance and support of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By following the teachings of Islam and adopting the balanced approach advocated by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Muslims can navigate through life's challenges with wisdom and intelligence. They can avoid the pitfalls of extremism and weakness, and instead, strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives. This Hadith serves as a reminder for us to seek knowledge, practice moderation, and maintain a balanced approach in our actions and decisions.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to embody the teachings of Islam in our lives. May we be guided by the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive for excellence while avoiding extremes and weaknesses. Ameen.