Hadith #7189

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

أعْقَلُ النّاسِ أقْرَبُهُمْ مِنَ اللّهِ۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as:

The most intelligent of people is the closest of them to Allah.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words it contains. The word (Aqal) "أعْقَلُ" refers to intelligence or intellect. It signifies the ability to reason, understand, and make sound judgments. The word (An-Nas) "النّاسِ" means people or individuals. And the word (Aqrabuhum) "أقْرَبُهُمْ" means the closest or nearest among them. Finally, the word (Min Allah) "مِنَ اللّهِ" means from Allah.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.

This verse highlights the importance of intellect and reasoning in the eyes of Allah. It emphasizes that those who possess intelligence are closer to Allah, as they are able to comprehend His signs and follow His guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

This verse emphasizes that wisdom and understanding are bestowed upon individuals by Allah. Those who possess wisdom and understanding are the ones who are closest to Allah, as they are able to recognize His blessings and follow His commandments.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the correlation between intelligence and proximity to Allah. It teaches us that the most intelligent individuals are the ones who are closest to Allah. This proximity is not physical, but rather spiritual and intellectual. It is a reflection of one's deep understanding of the teachings of Islam, their ability to reason, and their commitment to following the path of righteousness.

Intelligence, in this context, does not refer solely to academic knowledge or intellectual prowess. Rather, it encompasses a holistic understanding of the religion, encompassing both theoretical knowledge and practical application. The intelligent individual is the one who not only possesses knowledge but also utilizes it in their daily lives to seek the pleasure of Allah.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the development of their intellect and understanding of the religion. It encourages us to seek knowledge, reflect upon the Quranic teachings, and strive to implement them in our lives. By doing so, we can elevate ourselves spiritually and draw closer to Allah.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of seeking guidance from those who possess deep knowledge and understanding of Islam. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his exceptional wisdom and knowledge. His teachings and guidance continue to inspire and enlighten Muslims to this day. Therefore, we should turn to the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who were the inheritors of the Prophet's knowledge, to deepen our understanding and strengthen our connection with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the most intelligent individuals are the ones who are closest to Allah. This proximity is not based on physical proximity, but rather on spiritual and intellectual closeness. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, understanding the religion, and implementing its teachings in our lives. By doing so, we can elevate ourselves spiritually and draw closer to Allah, ultimately attaining His pleasure and blessings. May Allah grant us the wisdom and understanding to be among those who are closest to Him.