Hadith #7245

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

لِلْعاقِلِ في كُلِّ عَمَل إحْسانٌ۔

This can be translated as:

For the intelligent one, there is goodness in every action [he does].

Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (intelligent) "عاقِلِ" refers to someone who possesses wisdom, understanding, and the ability to make sound judgments. It is a quality that is highly praised in Islam, as it enables a person to navigate through life's challenges with wisdom and righteousness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to seek intelligence and wisdom in many verses of the Quran.

One such verse is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) highlights the superiority of Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) over the angels due to his intelligence and ability to make choices. Adam's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) intelligence allowed him to fulfill his role as a vicegerent on earth, despite the potential for corruption and bloodshed. This exemplifies the importance of intelligence in performing righteous actions.

The word (goodness) "إحْسانٌ" in the Hadith refers to excellence, virtue, and doing things in the best possible manner. It encompasses acts of kindness, righteousness, and sincerity. The concept of "إحْسانٌ" is emphasized throughout the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages Muslims to excel in their actions and intentions.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (Quran 2:195)

Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of performing acts of goodness and excellence in all aspects of life. It is a reminder that our actions should not only be limited to fulfilling obligations but should also strive for excellence and perfection.

When Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that there is goodness in every action for the intelligent one, he is highlighting the importance of performing every action with excellence and sincerity. The intelligent person understands that every action, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, has the potential to bring about positive consequences and rewards.

For example, a person with intelligence and wisdom will not only fulfill the obligatory acts of worship, such as prayer and fasting, but will also strive to perform them with excellence, focus, and sincerity. They will go beyond the minimum requirements and seek to perfect their actions by observing the proper etiquettes, reciting the Quran with understanding, and maintaining a state of humility and presence of heart.

Furthermore, the intelligent person will also recognize the importance of performing acts of kindness and goodness towards others. They will seize every opportunity to help those in need, show compassion, and spread positivity in their interactions. They understand that even the smallest acts of kindness, such as a smile or a kind word, can have a profound impact on others and earn them immense rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that intelligence and wisdom are essential qualities for a believer. The intelligent person recognizes the potential for goodness in every action and strives to perform them with excellence and sincerity. By doing so, they not only fulfill their obligations but also earn immense rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and leave a positive impact on those around them. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and intelligence to excel in our actions and earn His pleasure.