Hadith #6991

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Intelligence is for you to speak [only] of what you know and to act upon what you say.

This thought-provoking Hadith emphasizes the importance of knowledge, understanding, and the alignment of one's words with their actions.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (intelligence) "عَقْلُ" refers to the faculty of reasoning, understanding, and discernment. It encompasses the ability to comprehend and make sound judgments. (to speak) "تَقُولَ" signifies the act of expressing oneself through words. (what you know) "تَعْرِفُ" refers to knowledge and awareness. (to act) "تَعْمَلَ" signifies putting knowledge into practice. Finally, (what you say) "تَنْطِقُ" refers to verbal expression.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6),

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information before accepting and spreading it. It encourages Muslims to exercise their intelligence by seeking knowledge and understanding before speaking.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse highlights the importance of speaking only about what one has knowledge of, as one will be held accountable for their words and actions. It emphasizes the need for intellectual honesty and integrity.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious with their words and actions. It encourages us to acquire knowledge and understanding before speaking, ensuring that our words are based on truth and wisdom. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, verifying information, and speaking only of what is known.

By adhering to this principle, Muslims can avoid spreading falsehoods, causing harm, and engaging in hypocrisy. It promotes intellectual humility and encourages individuals to constantly seek knowledge and expand their understanding. It also serves as a reminder that our words and actions are interconnected, and that true intelligence lies in the alignment of the two.

For example, if someone claims to have knowledge about a particular topic but their actions contradict their words, it undermines their credibility and integrity. On the other hand, when one speaks only of what they know and acts upon their words, they demonstrate sincerity, consistency, and reliability.

Furthermore, this Hadith highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability. It urges Muslims to constantly evaluate their words and actions, ensuring that they are in line with their knowledge and understanding. By doing so, individuals can strive for personal growth, moral development, and spiritual enlightenment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to exercise their intelligence by speaking only of what they know and acting upon their words. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, verifying information, and aligning one's words with their actions. By adhering to this principle, Muslims can uphold intellectual integrity, promote truthfulness, and contribute positively to society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to speak and act with knowledge and understanding.