Hadith #7028

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

العَقْلُ مُنَزِّهٌ عَنِ المُنْكَرِ آمِرٌ بِالمَعْرُوفِ

which translates to

The intellect frees [one] from evil and enjoins [one to do] good.

This amazing Hadith emphasizes the importance of intellect in guiding individuals towards righteousness and deterring them from evil.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (intellect) "عَقْلُ" refers to the faculty of reasoning and understanding that distinguishes humans from other creatures. It encompasses the ability to comprehend, analyze, and make sound judgments. The term (frees) "مُنَزِّهٌ" signifies the role of intellect in purifying one's actions and thoughts from evil. It acts as a safeguard, preventing individuals from engaging in sinful behavior. On the other hand, (enjoins) "آمِرٌ" highlights the proactive nature of intellect, urging individuals to actively pursue and promote virtuous deeds.

To further elucidate the significance of intellect in guiding individuals towards good and deterring them from evil, we can turn to the Quran for supporting evidence. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:179),

And certainly, We have created many of the jinn and mankind for Hell. 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. They are like cattle, rather they are more astray; it is they who are the heedless.

This verse highlights the importance of intellect in distinguishing humans from those who are astray. It emphasizes that the lack of understanding and reasoning leads individuals towards evil and heedlessness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of using intellect to verify information and avoid causing harm due to ignorance. It encourages Muslims to critically analyze and evaluate the validity of any information before acting upon it.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to utilize their intellect in discerning between good and evil. It highlights the responsibility of individuals to actively promote righteousness and abstain from sinful actions. By employing their intellect, Muslims can make informed decisions that align with the teachings of Islam and contribute to the betterment of society.

The consequences of neglecting the intellect can be detrimental. Without the guidance of intellect, individuals may fall into the traps of ignorance, superstition, and blind adherence to harmful practices. This can lead to the perpetuation of injustice, division, and moral decay within society. Conversely, when intellect is embraced and utilized, it becomes a powerful tool for personal growth, societal progress, and the establishment of justice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, exemplified the importance of intellect throughout his life. His teachings and actions were guided by his deep understanding and rational thinking. He demonstrated the power of intellect in his governance, jurisprudence, and interactions with others. Muslims are encouraged to follow in his footsteps by nurturing their intellect, seeking knowledge, and using their reasoning abilities to distinguish between right and wrong.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the pivotal role of intellect in freeing individuals from evil and enjoining them to do good. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to utilize their reasoning abilities to discern between right and wrong, and to actively promote righteousness in their actions and interactions. By embracing and nurturing their intellect, Muslims can contribute to the betterment of society and the establishment of justice, in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).