Hadith #7034

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, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the good qualities in individuals. He states that when he observes a person possessing a particular quality of goodness, he judges them based on that quality and forgives them for any shortcomings they may have in other aspects. This demonstrates the Imam's wisdom and understanding of human nature, as well as his ability to see the potential for growth and improvement in individuals.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that he never exonerates someone for lacking intelligence or religion. This is because the absence of these fundamental qualities has severe consequences. Separation from religion is equivalent to departing from security, as it is through faith and adherence to religious principles that one finds true peace and protection. The Quran affirms this in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 46, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

Furthermore, the Imam asserts that life is not wholesome when filled with fear. Fear and anxiety can consume a person's well-being, hindering their ability to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. In contrast, the Quran encourages believers to place their trust in Allah and seek tranquility in Him. In Surah Al-Rad, verse 28, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes by stating that lack of intellect is equivalent to lack of life. Intellect is a divine gift that distinguishes humans from other creatures and enables them to understand and navigate the complexities of life. The Quran emphasizes the importance of intellect in various verses, such as Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

The Imam's thought-provoking saying serves as a reminder for Muslims to recognize and appreciate the good qualities in others, while also acknowledging the significance of intelligence and religion. It encourages us to strive for personal growth and development, as well as to seek knowledge and strengthen our faith. By doing so, we can cultivate a society that values virtues, fosters understanding, and promotes a sense of security and well-being for all.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize and appreciate the good in others, and the ability to cultivate our own intellect and faith. May He guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter. Ameen.