Hadith #7257

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ عَقَلَ كَثُرَ اِعْتِبارُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who has intelligence takes more lessons [from the past].

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (aqala) "عَقَلَ" in this Hadith refers to intelligence or intellect. It signifies the ability to reason, understand, and comprehend. It is a quality that distinguishes humans from other creatures and enables them to make wise decisions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has blessed us with this faculty, and it is our responsibility to utilize it to its fullest potential.

The term (kathura) "كَثُرَ" means to increase or multiply. In the context of this Hadith, it implies that a person of intelligence seeks to increase their knowledge and understanding. They are not content with a limited understanding of the world but strive to acquire more knowledge and insights.

The word (i'tibar) "اِعْتِبَارُ" means to take lessons or derive benefits. It refers to the act of reflecting on past experiences, events, and circumstances in order to gain wisdom and guidance for the present and future. It is through reflection and contemplation that one can extract valuable lessons from the past and apply them to their own lives.

The Hadith emphasizes the importance of learning from the past and using that knowledge to make informed decisions. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly encourages Muslims to reflect on the signs of His creation and the stories of previous nations.

In Surah Al-Hashr (59:21), Allah says,

Had We sent down this Quran upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah. And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will give thought.

This verse highlights the importance of contemplating the Quranic teachings and drawing lessons from them.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Imran (3:137), Allah says,

And already had Allah given you victory at [the battle of] Badr while you were few in number. Then fear Allah; perhaps you will be grateful.

Here, Allah reminds the Muslims of their past victory at the Battle of Badr and encourages them to reflect on it as a source of gratitude and motivation.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to be proactive in seeking knowledge and extracting lessons from our experiences. It reminds us that intelligence is not merely about acquiring information but also about applying that knowledge in practical ways. By reflecting on the past, we can avoid repeating mistakes, make better choices, and grow spiritually.

For example, if we examine the life of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) as mentioned in the Quran, we can learn valuable lessons about patience, resilience, and trust in Allah's plan. Despite facing numerous trials and tribulations, Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) remained steadfast in his faith and eventually attained a high rank in society. His story serves as a source of inspiration and guidance for us to navigate through our own challenges.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of intelligence and the active pursuit of knowledge. It encourages us to reflect on the past and extract valuable lessons that can guide us in our present and future endeavors. By doing so, we can make informed decisions, avoid repeating mistakes, and grow spiritually. May Allah grant us the wisdom and understanding to benefit from the lessons of the past.