Hadith #7262

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,

One whose intellect does not have the greatest control over him does not benefit from [any] advice.

This amazing Hadith emphasizes the importance of intellect and rationality in seeking guidance and benefiting from advice.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (amlaka) "أمْلَكَ" refers to having complete control or mastery over something. In this context, it refers to having one's intellect as the dominant force in decision-making and actions. The word (aqluhu) "عَقْلُهُ" means intellect or rationality. It represents the faculty of reasoning and discernment that distinguishes humans from other creatures.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of intellect and reasoning in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 3:190)

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding

This verse highlights the role of intellect in recognizing and reflecting upon the signs of Allah's creation.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Ankabut, Allah states, (Quran 4:82)

Do they not then reflect upon the Qur'an? If it had been from [any] other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction

This verse encourages Muslims to use their intellect to ponder over the Quran and recognize its coherence and consistency, thus strengthening their faith.

Now, let us analyze the impactful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He emphasizes that one who does not prioritize their intellect and allow it to guide their actions will not benefit from any advice. This means that without rationality and sound judgment, advice becomes futile and ineffective.

When we reflect on this statement, we realize that intellect is the foundation upon which all guidance and advice should be built. It is through intellect that we can discern between right and wrong, make informed decisions, and seek the truth. Without the proper utilization of our intellect, we may be swayed by emotions, desires, or external influences, leading us astray.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasis on the intellect aligns with the Quranic teachings that encourage Muslims to use their reasoning abilities to understand the signs of Allah and reflect upon His guidance. By prioritizing intellect, we can critically analyze advice, distinguish between beneficial and harmful guidance, and make choices that align with our values and principles.

Furthermore, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to continuously strive for intellectual growth and knowledge. The Imam himself was renowned for his exceptional wisdom and knowledge, which was a result of his unwavering commitment to seeking knowledge and understanding. His life serves as an inspiration for Muslims to prioritize intellect and actively seek knowledge throughout their lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the crucial role of intellect in seeking guidance and benefiting from advice. By prioritizing our intellect and allowing it to have the greatest control over our decisions, we can make informed choices and discern between beneficial and harmful guidance. This Hadith aligns with the Quranic teachings that encourage Muslims to use their reasoning abilities to reflect upon the signs of Allah and seek knowledge. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and intellect to make sound decisions and benefit from the guidance of our religion.