Hadith #7136

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

لايَغُشُّ العَقْلُ مَنِ انْتَصَحَهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking advice from the intellect and not being deceived by its guidance.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (al-'aql) "العَقْلُ" refers to the intellect or rationality, which is a unique faculty bestowed upon humans by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It enables us to think, reason, and make sound judgments. (yaghushshu) "يَغُشُّ" means to deceive or mislead. (mani) "مَنِ" means the one who, and (intasahahu) "انْتَصَحَهُ" means to seek advice or counsel.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of using our intellect and seeking guidance from it. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269, Allah says,

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and whoever is granted wisdom is indeed given a great good.

This verse highlights the significance of wisdom and intellect as a divine gift.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 43, Allah states,

And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and using our intellect to comprehend the signs and examples presented by Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the intellect, when sought for advice, will never deceive us. It is a reliable source of guidance that leads us towards truth and righteousness. By using our intellect, we can make informed decisions and avoid being misled by our desires or external influences.

For example, when faced with a moral dilemma, our intellect guides us to make choices that align with the teachings of Islam. It helps us differentiate between right and wrong, and enables us to act in accordance with the principles of justice, compassion, and integrity.

Moreover, seeking advice from the intellect allows us to critically analyze situations and make rational decisions. It prevents us from falling into the traps of ignorance, superstition, and blind conformity. By using our intellect, we can evaluate the consequences of our actions and make choices that benefit ourselves and society as a whole.

The consequences of neglecting the advice of the intellect can be detrimental. It can lead to poor decision-making, ignorance, and the perpetuation of harmful beliefs and practices. By disregarding the guidance of the intellect, individuals may fall prey to manipulation, deception, and misguided ideologies.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek advice from their intellect and not be deceived by its guidance. By using our intellect, we can make informed decisions, avoid being misled, and uphold the principles of Islam. Let us strive to cultivate our intellects and seek wisdom in all aspects of our lives, so that we may attain success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to use our intellects wisely and seek guidance from it.