Hadith #7230

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The desire of an intelligent person is in wisdom and the ambition of an ignorant person is in foolishness.

This amazing Hadith highlights the stark contrast between the aspirations of a wise individual and those of an ignorant person.

Let us delve into the meanings of some key words in this Hadith. The word (raghbatu) "رَغْبَةُ" refers to the inner desire or inclination of a person. It signifies a deep longing or yearning for something. (al-'aqil) "العاقِلِ" refers to an intelligent or wise person who possesses sound judgment and understanding. On the other hand, (himmatu) "هِمَّةُ" refers to the ambition or aspiration of an individual. Finally, (al-jahil) "الجاهِلِ" refers to an ignorant person who lacks knowledge and understanding.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269),

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and whoever is granted wisdom is indeed given a great good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of wisdom and highlights that it is a gift from Allah. It is a quality that distinguishes the intelligent from the ignorant.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And We gave David and Solomon knowledge.

This verse highlights the significance of knowledge and how it was bestowed upon the Prophets. It emphasizes that knowledge is a divine blessing that enables individuals to make wise decisions and pursue beneficial endeavors.

Imam Ali's statement in the Hadith reflects the inherent nature of an intelligent person. Such an individual seeks wisdom and knowledge as their ultimate desire. They understand the value and importance of acquiring knowledge and applying it in their lives. Their pursuit of wisdom is driven by their understanding of its benefits and the positive impact it can have on themselves and society as a whole.

In contrast, the ambition of an ignorant person is rooted in foolishness. Their lack of knowledge and understanding leads them to pursue futile and unproductive endeavors. They are driven by base desires and are unaware of the consequences of their actions. Their ignorance blinds them to the true path of wisdom and prevents them from making informed decisions.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize seeking knowledge and wisdom. It encourages us to emulate the desire of the intelligent person and strive to acquire knowledge in various fields. By doing so, we can make informed decisions, contribute positively to society, and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of self-reflection. It urges us to assess our own desires and ambitions. Are we seeking wisdom and knowledge, or are we pursuing foolishness and ignorance? It is a call to constantly evaluate our intentions and align them with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge. It highlights the stark contrast between the aspirations of an intelligent person and those of an ignorant person. By seeking wisdom and knowledge, we can make informed decisions, contribute positively to society, and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek wisdom and knowledge and guide us on the path of righteousness.