Hadith #7183

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The most felicitous of people is the intelligent one.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of intelligence and wisdom in attaining true happiness and success in life.

The word (as'adu) "أسْعَدُ" in Arabic means "the most felicitous" or "the happiest." It refers to a state of deep and lasting happiness, contentment, and fulfillment. This happiness is not temporary or superficial, but rather it is a state of inner peace and tranquility that comes from having a sound mind and making wise choices.

The word (an-nas) "النّاسِ" means "people" or "human beings." It encompasses all individuals, regardless of their gender, race, or social status. This Hadith is addressing all Muslims, reminding them that true happiness is attainable for anyone who possesses intelligence and wisdom.

The word (al-'aqil) "العاقِلُ" refers to "the intelligent" or "the wise" person. It denotes someone who possesses the ability to think critically, make sound judgments, and act wisely. This intelligence is not limited to intellectual capacity alone, but also includes emotional intelligence, moral intelligence, and spiritual intelligence.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of wisdom and intelligence in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:30)

And [recall] when your Lord said to the angels, 'Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.' They said, 'Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?' Allah said, 'Indeed, I know that which you do not know.'

In this verse, Allah highlights the superiority of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) over the angels due to his intelligence and knowledge. Adam's ability to comprehend and make choices based on wisdom and understanding sets him apart from the angels. Similarly, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that true felicity lies in possessing intelligence and using it to make wise decisions.

Intelligence enables a person to navigate through the complexities of life, to make informed choices, and to seek knowledge and understanding. It allows one to distinguish between right and wrong, to recognize the consequences of their actions, and to strive for personal growth and development. An intelligent person is not easily swayed by emotions or influenced by external factors, but rather relies on reason and logic to make decisions.

Furthermore, intelligence is not limited to worldly matters but extends to spiritual matters as well. A person who possesses spiritual intelligence understands the purpose of their existence, recognizes the signs of Allah's creation, and seeks a deeper connection with their Creator. They are aware of the consequences of their actions in the Hereafter and strive to live a life that is pleasing to Allah.

The consequences of possessing intelligence and wisdom are far-reaching. It leads to personal growth, success in worldly affairs, and most importantly, it brings one closer to Allah. An intelligent person is more likely to make choices that align with the teachings of Islam, to seek knowledge and understanding of the Quran and Sunnah, and to act in a manner that is pleasing to Allah.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating intelligence and wisdom in our lives. We should strive to acquire knowledge, seek understanding, and make choices that are guided by reason and wisdom. By doing so, we can attain true felicity in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to develop our intelligence and wisdom, and may He bless us with true happiness and success in this life and the Hereafter.