Hadith #7219

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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 person is one who renounces that which the ignorant one desires.

This amazing Hadith highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in making choices and decisions in life. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words.

The word (aql) "عاقل" refers to an individual who possesses intellect, reason, and wisdom. It is the faculty of the mind that enables a person to think, understand, and make sound judgments. The (jahil) "جاهل", on the other hand, is someone who lacks knowledge, understanding, and insight. They are driven by their base desires and are unaware of the consequences of their actions.

To support the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (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 emphasizes the importance of verifying information and not acting impulsively based on ignorance. It encourages the believers to exercise their intellect and discernment before making judgments or taking actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the attributes of the servants of the Most Merciful, stating,

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse highlights the wisdom of responding to ignorance with peace and patience, rather than reacting impulsively or engaging in futile arguments. It demonstrates the importance of renouncing the desires of the ignorant and responding with wisdom and tranquility.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize intellect and wisdom over base desires and ignorance. It encourages us to reflect on our choices and decisions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam and are not driven by fleeting desires or societal pressures. By renouncing that which the ignorant desires, we are able to maintain our integrity, uphold our values, and make choices that lead to long-term success and fulfillment.

For example, let us consider a situation where a person is tempted to engage in dishonest practices to gain material wealth. The intelligent person, guided by their wisdom and understanding, would renounce such desires and choose to earn their wealth through lawful means, even if it means sacrificing immediate gains. They understand the consequences of their actions and prioritize their moral and ethical values over temporary gratification.

Similarly, in matters of faith, the intelligent person would renounce the desires of the ignorant, such as blindly following cultural practices or superstitions, and instead seek knowledge and understanding of the true teachings of Islam. They would strive to deepen their understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), making informed decisions based on their intellect and wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of intellect and discernment in making choices and decisions. By renouncing that which the ignorant desires, we are able to uphold our values, make sound judgments, and lead a life guided by wisdom and understanding. Let us strive to be among the intelligent ones who prioritize intellect over ignorance and seek knowledge and understanding in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to make choices that are pleasing to Him and beneficial for our worldly and spiritual well-being.