Hadith #9069

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Writing is the interpreter of intention.

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the importance of expressing our intentions through writing. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word "kitab" in Arabic refers to writing or a book, while "tarjuman" means interpreter or translator. The word "niyyah" denotes intention. Therefore, this Hadith highlights the role of writing in conveying and clarifying our intentions. It reminds us that our intentions are not always apparent to others, and writing serves as a means to communicate our true motives.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the significance of intention in our actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:225),

Allah does not impose blame upon you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He imposes blame upon you for what your hearts have earned.

This verse highlights the importance of sincerity in our intentions, as Allah judges us based on what our hearts truly intend.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:84), Allah says,

And say: 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

This verse demonstrates the significance of seeking Allah's guidance and support in our intentions and actions. It reminds us to align our intentions with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of documenting our intentions through writing. When we write down our intentions, we are able to reflect upon them, evaluate their sincerity, and ensure they are in accordance with the teachings of Islam. Writing also allows us to communicate our intentions clearly to others, avoiding misunderstandings and promoting transparency.

For example, imagine a person who intends to give charity but fails to fulfill their intention due to unforeseen circumstances. By writing down their intention, they can later revisit it and fulfill their commitment when the opportunity arises. Similarly, in matters of business or contracts, writing down intentions ensures that all parties involved are aware of their responsibilities and obligations.

Moreover, writing serves as a means of preserving knowledge and transmitting it to future generations. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his vast knowledge and wisdom, and his numerous writings have been a source of guidance for Muslims throughout history. His letters, sermons, and treatises have provided profound insights into various aspects of life, including governance, ethics, and spirituality.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of writing in expressing and clarifying our intentions. It emphasizes the significance of sincerity and aligning our intentions with the teachings of the Quran. By documenting our intentions, we can reflect upon them, fulfill our commitments, and promote transparency in our interactions. Furthermore, writing serves as a means of preserving knowledge and transmitting it to future generations. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to have sincere intentions and use writing as a means to communicate and preserve the teachings of Islam.