Hadith #7101

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The gain of the intellect is refraining from harming others.

This beautiful Hadith emphasizes the importance of using our intellect to avoid causing harm to others. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (intellect) "عَقْلِ" refers to the faculty of reasoning and understanding. It encompasses the ability to think critically, make sound judgments, and discern right from wrong. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has blessed human beings with this remarkable gift, enabling us to navigate through life with wisdom and righteousness.

The word (refraining) "كَفُّ" signifies the act of holding back or abstaining from something. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to restraining oneself from causing harm or injury to others. This includes both physical and emotional harm, as well as any form of injustice or oppression.

To understand the significance of refraining from harming others, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:32),

Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.

This verse highlights the sanctity of human life and the gravity of causing harm to others. It emphasizes the principle of preserving life and refraining from any action that may lead to harm or destruction.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

This verse teaches us the importance of refraining from harming others through our words and actions. It reminds us to treat one another with respect, kindness, and empathy, avoiding any form of ridicule, insult, or derogatory behavior.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to utilize their intellect in a responsible and compassionate manner. It encourages us to think before we act, considering the potential consequences of our actions on others. By exercising self-restraint and refraining from causing harm, we can contribute to a harmonious and just society.

Practically applying this Hadith in our daily lives requires us to cultivate self-awareness and empathy. We must strive to understand the impact of our words and actions on those around us. This involves being mindful of our behavior, avoiding gossip, backbiting, and spreading rumors that can harm others. It also entails treating others with fairness and justice, refraining from any form of discrimination or prejudice.

Moreover, refraining from harming others extends beyond our immediate interactions. It encompasses our responsibilities towards the environment, animals, and society at large. Islam teaches us to be mindful of our ecological footprint, to protect and preserve the natural resources that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has entrusted us with. It also encourages us to engage in acts of charity and social welfare, alleviating the suffering of those in need and working towards the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of using our intellect to refrain from harming others. It reminds us of our responsibility to think before we act, considering the potential consequences of our actions on those around us. By practicing self-restraint and treating others with kindness, empathy, and justice, we can contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.