Hadith #7163

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

When the intelligent one is quiet, he reflects and when he speaks, he remembers [and extols Allah] and when he observes, he takes lesson.

This profound statement highlights the importance of contemplation, remembrance of Allah, and seeking wisdom from the observations of the world around us.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (intelligent) "عاقل" refers to a person who possesses wisdom, understanding, and the ability to discern between right and wrong. The word (quiet) "سكت" signifies a state of silence or refraining from speech. (speaks) "نطق" refers to verbal expression, while (remembers) "ذكر" implies the remembrance of Allah and extolling His praises. Lastly, (observes) "نظر" denotes the act of looking attentively and contemplating.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:176), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And had We willed, We could have elevated him thereby, but he adhered [instead] to the earth and followed his own desire. So his example is like that of the dog: if you chase him, he pants, or if you leave him, he [still] pants. That is the example of the people who denied Our signs. So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought.

This verse emphasizes the importance of reflection and contemplation upon the signs of Allah in order to gain wisdom and guidance.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.

This verse highlights the significance of remembering Allah and engaging in acts of worship, such as prayer, which serve as a means of spiritual enlightenment and guidance.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. When the intelligent individual remains silent, it allows them to engage in deep contemplation and reflection. This silence provides an opportunity for introspection, self-analysis, and pondering over the signs of Allah in the world around them. It is during this state of quietude that one can truly connect with their inner self and seek guidance from Allah.

On the other hand, when the intelligent person speaks, they do so with purpose and wisdom. Their words are not empty or devoid of meaning, but rather serve as a means of remembering and extolling Allah. Every word uttered by the intelligent individual is a reflection of their deep understanding and connection with the Divine. Their speech is a source of inspiration and guidance for others, reminding them of the greatness of Allah and the importance of living a righteous life.

Furthermore, when the intelligent person observes, they do so with a keen eye and a heart open to receiving lessons. They are not merely passive spectators, but active participants in the world around them. They seek wisdom from every observation, recognizing the signs of Allah in nature, in the actions of people, and in the unfolding events of life. Their observations serve as a constant reminder of the power and wisdom of Allah, motivating them to strive for excellence and righteousness.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us the importance of silence, remembrance of Allah, and seeking wisdom from our observations. It reminds us to engage in deep reflection, to speak with purpose and wisdom, and to be attentive to the signs of Allah in the world around us. By embodying these qualities, we can attain true intelligence and draw closer to our Creator. May Allah grant us the ability to reflect, remember, and learn from His signs.