Hadith #10825

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

The cornerstone of intelligence is being friendly with the people.

This thought-provoking Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations and showing kindness towards others. To fully comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (intelligence) "عَقْلِ" refers to the ability to reason, understand, and make sound judgments. It encompasses wisdom, knowledge, and rationality. In this context, it signifies the intellectual capacity to comprehend and navigate through various situations in life.

The term (being friendly) "تَوَدُّدُ" is derived from the root word "وَدَدَ" which means love, affection, and goodwill. It implies treating others with kindness, compassion, and respect. It involves displaying empathy, understanding, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

The phrase (with the people) "إلَى النَّاسِ" refers to all individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds, beliefs, or social status. It encompasses friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, and even strangers. It emphasizes the importance of fostering positive relationships with everyone around us.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtues of kindness, compassion, and maintaining good relations with others.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

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 highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating the diversity among people. It encourages Muslims to build bridges of understanding and friendship with others, regardless of their differences. By doing so, we can foster unity and create a harmonious society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah reminds us,

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing our words wisely and speaking in a manner that promotes harmony and understanding. It warns against falling into the trap of Satan, who seeks to sow discord and division among people. By adopting a friendly and respectful approach in our interactions, we can counteract the negative influence of Satan and contribute to a peaceful environment.

Reflecting upon the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we can understand that being friendly with others is not only a sign of intelligence but also a means to attain righteousness and proximity to Allah. When we treat others with kindness and respect, we create an atmosphere of love and compassion, which in turn fosters unity and cooperation within the Muslim community.

Moreover, being friendly with others has far-reaching consequences. It helps to build trust, strengthen bonds, and resolve conflicts amicably. It enables us to bridge gaps and promote understanding between different individuals and communities. By embodying the values of kindness and compassion, we become ambassadors of Islam, showcasing the beauty of our faith to the world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that intelligence is not limited to intellectual prowess alone. True intelligence lies in our ability to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with others. By being friendly, kind, and compassionate, we not only enhance our own character but also contribute to the betterment of society. Let us strive to embody this noble teaching in our interactions with others, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to do so.