Hadith #7222

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May 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,

As the intelligent one grows older, his intellect grows younger.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the unique quality of wisdom possessed by the intelligent individuals. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word (shab) "شاب" in the Hadith refers to someone who is growing older or reaching the age of maturity. It signifies the physical process of aging. On the other hand, the word (aql) "عاقِل" refers to an intelligent or wise person. It encompasses the intellectual capacity and understanding of an individual. The transliteration of these words emphasizes the importance of age and intellect in the context of this Hadith.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 14, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And when he attained his full strength and was [mentally] mature, We bestowed upon him judgement and knowledge. And thus do We reward the doers of good.

This verse highlights the connection between physical maturity and the bestowal of wisdom and knowledge by Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ahqaf, verse 15, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months. [He grows] until, when he reaches maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says, 'My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.'

These verses highlight the stages of human development and the correlation between physical maturity and intellectual growth. It is during this period of maturity that individuals attain the capacity for sound judgment and acquire knowledge. This aligns with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), which suggests that as an intelligent person grows older, their intellect becomes sharper and more refined.

The profound wisdom behind this Hadith lies in the fact that as individuals age, they gain valuable life experiences, which in turn enhance their understanding and wisdom. With the passage of time, they become more adept at making sound decisions and discerning the truth from falsehood. Their intellect becomes rejuvenated, allowing them to navigate through the complexities of life with greater clarity and insight.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to value and respect the wisdom that comes with age. It encourages us to seek knowledge and understanding throughout our lives, recognizing that intellectual growth is not limited to a specific age or time period. By continuously seeking knowledge and reflecting upon our experiences, we can ensure that our intellect remains vibrant and our understanding deepens.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that as the intelligent one grows older, their intellect grows younger. This means that with the passage of time, individuals who possess wisdom and intelligence continue to refine their understanding and gain deeper insights. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize the correlation between physical maturity and intellectual growth, we can appreciate the profound wisdom behind this Hadith. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge and wisdom throughout our lives.