Hadith #6408

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the divine wisdom behind the removal of blessings from a servant by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Hadith states,

When Allah, the Glorified, wishes to remove a blessing from a servant, the first thing that He alters [and takes away from him] is his intellect, and losing it is the most difficult thing for him.

Let us delve into the key words and their meanings in this Hadith. The word (izalata) "إزالَةَ" means to remove or take away. (ni'mah) "نِعْمَة" refers to blessings or favors bestowed upon a person by Allah. (abd) "عَبْد" signifies a servant or a worshipper of Allah. (aqluhu) "عَقْلُهُ" denotes intellect or rationality. Finally, (faqduhu) "فَقْدُهُ" means the loss or absence of something.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse emphasizes that Allah's actions are based on wisdom and justice. When Allah removes a blessing from a servant, it is within the servant's capacity to bear the consequences.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nahl (16:46), Allah says,

Or that Allah may catch them in the midst of their going to and fro (in their jobs), so that there be no escape for them (from Allah's punishment)?

This verse highlights that Allah has the power to seize blessings from His servants as a means of punishment or trial.

Now, let us reflect on the profound insight provided by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. When Allah wishes to remove a blessing from a servant, the first thing He alters is their intellect. This signifies that the servant's ability to comprehend and make sound judgments is affected. Losing one's intellect is indeed the most difficult thing for a person, as it hampers their decision-making, understanding, and overall functioning.

This alteration of intellect serves as a wake-up call for the servant to reflect upon their actions and seek repentance. It is a means for them to realize the consequences of their behavior and the need for rectification. Losing a blessing is a reminder for the servant to turn back to Allah, seek His forgiveness, and strive to improve themselves.

For instance, if a person becomes arrogant due to their wealth, Allah may remove that wealth and subsequently affect their intellect. This loss of intellect will humble them and make them realize the transitory nature of worldly possessions. It will motivate them to seek Allah's forgiveness, develop humility, and focus on the eternal blessings of the hereafter.

In another example, if a person becomes heedless of their religious obligations, Allah may remove their ability to understand and practice their faith effectively. This loss of intellect will serve as a wake-up call for them to reflect on their negligence and seek guidance from Allah. It will motivate them to rectify their actions, deepen their knowledge, and strengthen their relationship with Allah.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sheds light on the divine wisdom behind the removal of blessings from a servant. The alteration of intellect serves as a means for the servant to reflect, seek repentance, and rectify their actions. Losing one's intellect is indeed the most difficult thing for a person, as it hampers their decision-making and understanding. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize His blessings, the humility to seek His forgiveness, and the ability to rectify our actions.