Hadith #7141

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who puts his intellect before his vain desire, his undertakings become good.

This thought-provoking Hadith emphasizes the importance of prioritizing intellect and reason over base desires and whims. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to understand its significance and the guidance it provides for Muslims.

The key words in this Hadith are (his intellect) "عَقْلَهُ" and (his vain desire) "هَواهُ". The word "عَقْلَهُ" refers to one's intellect, reason, and understanding. It is the faculty that enables humans to think, analyze, and make rational decisions. On the other hand, "هَواهُ" refers to one's vain desires, whims, and inclinations that are driven by personal gratification and self-interest.

To comprehend the importance of prioritizing intellect over vain desires, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the significance of using our intellect and reasoning abilities in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:43), Allah says,

And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge.

This verse highlights the importance of knowledge and understanding, which are products of intellect.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), Allah advises the believers regarding the pilgrimage, saying,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety).

This verse encourages Muslims to prioritize piety, which is a result of using one's intellect to make righteous choices, over material provisions and worldly desires.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, teaches us that when we prioritize our intellect over our vain desires, our undertakings become good. This means that when we use our reason and understanding to guide our actions, we make informed decisions that align with the teachings of Islam and lead to positive outcomes.

For instance, imagine a person who is tempted to engage in dishonest business practices for personal gain. However, if they prioritize their intellect and consider the ethical implications of their actions, they will refrain from engaging in such behavior. By doing so, they not only avoid sin but also maintain their integrity and contribute to a just society.

Similarly, in matters of personal relationships, if we prioritize our intellect over our vain desires, we will make decisions based on wisdom, compassion, and fairness. This will lead to healthier and more harmonious relationships, as we will consider the well-being of others and act in a manner that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequences of prioritizing intellect over vain desires are far-reaching. By doing so, we align ourselves with the teachings of Islam and the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This not only brings us closer to our Creator but also enables us to lead a life of righteousness and virtue. Moreover, it helps us navigate the challenges and temptations of this world with wisdom and resilience.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their intellect over their vain desires. By doing so, we can make informed decisions, avoid sinful behavior, and lead a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us strive to cultivate our intellect and use it as a guiding light in all aspects of our lives, seeking knowledge, understanding, and wisdom in order to attain success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to put our intellect before our vain desires and bless our undertakings with goodness.