Hadith #7234

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) highlights the distinguishing quality of the people of intellect. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, emphasizes that this quality is characterized by two aspects: the lack of lust and negligence.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. "Shimah" refers to the distinguishing quality or characteristic that sets apart the people of intellect. "Al-Uqala" refers to those who possess intellect, wisdom, and understanding. "Qillat al-shahwah" signifies the lack or scarcity of lust, desire, or excessive passion. "Qillat al-ghaflah" refers to the absence or minimal presence of negligence, heedlessness, or forgetfulness.

To understand the significance of these qualities, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:29),

O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

This verse highlights the importance of fearing Allah and restraining our desires. It is through this self-control and lack of excessive lust that one can attain the distinguishing quality of the people of intellect.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:179), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against negligence and heedlessness, stating,

And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being mindful and attentive, as negligence leads to spiritual blindness and deviation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights these qualities as essential for the people of intellect. Lack of lust refers to controlling one's desires and passions, not allowing them to overpower reason and intellect. It involves moderation and self-discipline in all aspects of life, whether it be in matters of wealth, power, or physical desires. By restraining our desires, we can focus on what truly matters and make decisions based on wisdom and rationality.

Similarly, the absence of negligence implies being fully present and aware of one's actions, thoughts, and surroundings. It means being conscious of our responsibilities, both towards Allah and towards our fellow human beings. Negligence leads to complacency and a lack of accountability, hindering our growth and spiritual development.

The consequences of embodying these qualities are profound. By curbing our desires and being vigilant, we can avoid falling into sinful behavior and harmful actions. We become more attuned to our purpose in life and strive to fulfill our duties and obligations. This leads to a higher level of consciousness and a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, the lack of lust and negligence enables the people of intellect to make sound judgments and decisions. They are not swayed by temporary pleasures or distractions, but rather prioritize what is beneficial in the long run. Their actions are guided by wisdom and foresight, leading to positive outcomes and a righteous path.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the distinguishing quality of the people of intellect, which is characterized by the lack of lust and negligence. By restraining our desires and being mindful of our actions, we can attain a higher level of consciousness and make decisions based on wisdom and rationality. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and become among the people of intellect.