Hadith #5434

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

One who becomes satisfied with his own intellect (or action) has gone astray.

This beautiful saying highlights the danger of relying solely on one's own intellect or actions without seeking guidance from Allah and His teachings.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (istaghna) "استغنى" means to become satisfied or self-sufficient. It implies a sense of arrogance and self-reliance, where one believes that their intellect or actions alone are enough to guide them. The word (aqlihi) "عقله" refers to one's intellect or reasoning. It encompasses the ability to think, comprehend, and make decisions.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking His guidance and not relying solely on one's own intellect or actions. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:3), Allah says,

Follow what has been revealed to you from your Lord and do not follow other than Him any allies. Little do you remember.

This verse reminds us that true guidance lies in following the divine revelation and not in our own limited understanding.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse cautions us against blindly following our own intellect or desires without seeking knowledge and guidance from Allah. It reminds us that we will be held accountable for our actions and decisions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be humble and to seek guidance from Allah. It highlights the importance of acknowledging our limitations as human beings and recognizing that true wisdom and guidance come from Allah alone.

When a person becomes satisfied with their own intellect or actions, they may fall into the trap of arrogance and self-righteousness. This can lead them astray from the path of righteousness and cause them to make decisions that are not in accordance with the teachings of Islam. They may become blinded by their own opinions and fail to consider the wisdom and guidance provided by Allah in the Quran.

For example, if a person relies solely on their own intellect to interpret the Quran without seeking guidance from scholars and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, they may misinterpret the verses and arrive at incorrect conclusions. This can lead to the spread of false beliefs and practices within the Muslim community.

On the other hand, when a person recognizes the limitations of their own intellect and seeks guidance from Allah, they open themselves up to the vast knowledge and wisdom contained in the Quran. They understand the importance of seeking knowledge from reliable sources and consulting scholars who have dedicated their lives to studying and understanding the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be humble and to seek guidance from Allah. It warns against the dangers of relying solely on one's own intellect or actions without seeking divine guidance. By recognizing our limitations and seeking knowledge from reliable sources, we can ensure that our actions and decisions are in accordance with the teachings of Islam. May Allah guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the pitfalls of arrogance and self-reliance.