Hadith #7048

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) states,

The completion of the intellect (or of action) is in its perfection.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of striving for excellence and perfection in our actions and the development of our intellect.

The word (tamam) "تَمَامُ" in this Hadith refers to the completion or fullness of something. It implies reaching the highest level of perfection or excellence. The word (aql) "عَقْلِ" refers to the intellect or rationality, which is a unique faculty bestowed upon humans by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through the intellect that we are able to understand and comprehend the world around us.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Mulk, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 67:2)

Who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.

This verse highlights the purpose of our existence, which is to strive for excellence in our actions. It is through our actions that we demonstrate our faith and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:30)

And [recall] when your Lord said to the angels, 'Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.' They said, 'Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?' Allah said, 'Indeed, I know that which you do not know.'

This verse highlights the unique position of humans as the vicegerents of Allah on earth. It is our responsibility to establish justice, maintain peace, and strive for excellence in all aspects of life.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true intellect and action are not merely about going through the motions or performing rituals mechanically. Rather, they require sincerity, dedication, and a constant pursuit of perfection. It is not enough to simply fulfill the basic requirements; we must strive to excel and go above and beyond in our actions.

For example, in our daily prayers, it is not enough to merely perform the physical movements and recite the words mechanically. True perfection in prayer lies in the presence of heart and mind, focusing on the meaning and significance of each word and movement. It is about striving to attain a deep connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure.

Similarly, in our interactions with others, true perfection lies in embodying the noble qualities and teachings of Islam. It is about treating others with kindness, compassion, and respect, even in the face of adversity. It is about going the extra mile to help those in need and striving to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

The consequences of striving for perfection in our actions and intellect are manifold. Firstly, it leads to the development of a strong and sincere relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we strive for excellence in our actions, we are demonstrating our love and devotion to our Creator. This, in turn, strengthens our faith and brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Secondly, striving for perfection in our actions and intellect leads to personal growth and self-improvement. When we constantly seek to better ourselves, we are able to overcome our weaknesses and develop our strengths. This not only benefits us individually but also contributes to the betterment of society as a whole.

Lastly, striving for perfection in our actions and intellect sets a positive example for others. When Muslims embody the teachings of Islam and strive for excellence, they become beacons of light and sources of inspiration for others. This can have a profound impact on society, as it encourages others to also strive for perfection and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of striving for excellence and perfection in our actions and intellect. It is not enough to simply go through the motions; we must constantly seek to improve ourselves and reach the highest level of perfection. By doing so, we strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), experience personal growth, and become sources of inspiration for others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.