Hadith #7054

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.

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

ثَمَرَةُ العَقْلِ مُداراةُ النّاسِ۔

This can be translated as,

The fruit of intellect is being affable with the people.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this impactful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (intellect) "عَقْلِ" refers to the faculty of reasoning, understanding, and discernment. It is a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that enables humans to think critically and make sound judgments. The intellect is not limited to mere knowledge, but it encompasses wisdom, empathy, and the ability to interact with others in a respectful and compassionate manner.

The word (being affable) "مُداراةُ" comes from the root word "دَارَىٰ" which means to treat or deal with someone in a gentle, kind, and considerate manner. It implies the act of showing patience, understanding, and tolerance towards others, regardless of their differences or shortcomings. It is about building bridges of communication and fostering harmonious relationships.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of knowing and understanding one another. It encourages Muslims to engage in dialogue and develop relationships based on righteousness and piety. By being affable with others, we can bridge the gaps between different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. It is through this interaction that we can foster unity and harmony within the Muslim community and the wider society.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2),

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse highlights the importance of cooperation in matters of righteousness and piety. By being affable with others, we can foster cooperation and collaboration in promoting goodness and preventing evil. It is through our intellect and understanding that we can work together to establish justice, peace, and harmony in our communities.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, recognized the value of intellect and its manifestation in one's behavior towards others. He understood that true intellect is not limited to personal knowledge and achievements, but it extends to how we interact with our fellow human beings.

By being affable with others, we can inspire positive change, resolve conflicts, and promote a culture of compassion and understanding. It is through our actions and words that we can influence others and leave a lasting impact on society. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate their intellect and use it as a means to build bridges of understanding and empathy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the true fruit of intellect lies in our ability to be affable with others. It is through our gentle and kind treatment of people that we can truly manifest the wisdom and understanding bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By following this guidance, we can contribute to the betterment of society and strive towards unity and harmony among Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to embody this noble teaching in our daily lives.