Hadith #7151

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The basis of [the rightness of] an affair is the intellect.

This wise utterance emphasizes the importance of using our intellect and reasoning in making decisions and determining what is right and wrong. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (milak) "مِلاكُ" in the Hadith refers to the foundation or basis of something. It signifies the core principle upon which an affair is built. The word (al-amr) "الأمْرِ" means the matter or affair at hand. And finally, (al-'aql) "العَقْلُ" refers to the intellect or rationality.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the significance of using our intellect in various aspects of life. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:164),

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.

This verse highlights the signs of Allah's creation as a means for us to reflect and use our intellect to recognize His existence and wisdom.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:43), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge.

This verse emphasizes the importance of knowledge and understanding, which are closely linked to the intellect. It encourages us to seek knowledge and use our intellect to comprehend the deeper meanings of the examples presented in the Quran.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that the intellect is the foundation upon which we should base our decisions and actions. It encourages us to think critically, analyze situations, and make informed choices. By using our intellect, we can distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and make decisions that align with the teachings of Islam.

For example, when faced with a moral dilemma, we should not simply follow our desires or blindly adhere to traditions. Instead, we should engage our intellect to understand the ethical implications of our actions and make choices that are in line with the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness as prescribed by the Quran.

Moreover, the Hadith also highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and expanding our intellectual capacity. By continuously learning and acquiring knowledge, we can enhance our understanding and make more informed decisions. This aligns with the Quranic command to seek knowledge and reflect upon the signs of Allah's creation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of using our intellect as the foundation for making decisions and determining what is right and wrong. It encourages us to seek knowledge, think critically, and make choices that align with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can navigate through the complexities of life and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to apply this Hadith in our lives.