Hadith #7187

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أعْقَلُ النّاسِ أبْعَدُهُمْ عَنْ كُلِّ دَنِيَّة۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

The most intelligent of people is the farthest of them from all vile things.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran.

The word (aql) "أعْقَلُ" in this Hadith refers to intelligence or intellect. It signifies the ability to reason, understand, and make sound judgments. It is a quality that distinguishes humans from other creatures and enables them to navigate through the complexities of life. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to the highest level of intelligence.

The phrase (ab'aduhum 'an kulli daniyyah)

أبْعَدُهُمْ عَنْ كُلِّ دَنِيَّة

means

the farthest of them from all vile things.

It emphasizes the importance of distancing oneself from anything that is morally corrupt, sinful, or harmful. It implies that true intelligence lies not only in intellectual prowess but also in moral excellence and the ability to resist temptations.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:179),

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

This verse highlights the importance of intellect and understanding. It emphasizes that true intelligence goes beyond mere knowledge and encompasses the ability to discern between right and wrong, to recognize the consequences of one's actions, and to strive for moral excellence. Those who lack this understanding are likened to livestock, as they are unable to comprehend the true purpose of their existence.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the believers, saying,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and accountability. It encourages believers to be mindful of their actions and to constantly evaluate their deeds in light of the Hereafter. True intelligence lies in being aware of the consequences of one's actions and striving to align them with the teachings of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize moral excellence and distance themselves from all forms of vice. It highlights the importance of cultivating a strong intellect that is not only knowledgeable but also guided by moral principles.

By distancing ourselves from vile things, we protect our hearts and minds from corruption. We become more conscious of our actions, making decisions that are in line with the teachings of Islam. This leads to a virtuous cycle, where our intelligence grows, and we become more aware of the consequences of our choices.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true intelligence lies in distancing ourselves from all vile things. It reminds us to prioritize moral excellence and to strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we not only enhance our intellect but also strengthen our connection with Allah and fulfill our purpose as Muslims. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of this Hadith.