Hadith #7001

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,

أفْضَلُ العَقْلِ مُجانَبَةُ اللَّهْوِ۔

This can be translated as,

The best intelligence is keeping away from idle sport.

Let us delve into the connotation of this statement in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. (intelligence) "عَقْلِ" refers to the faculty of reasoning and understanding. It encompasses wisdom, knowledge, and the ability to make sound judgments. (keeping away) "مُجانَبَةُ" means to distance oneself or abstain from something. And (idle sport) "اللَّهْوِ" refers to any frivolous or vain activity that distracts one from the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteous deeds.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of utilizing our intelligence in a manner that is pleasing to Allah. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197, Allah says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights that the best use of intelligence is to develop consciousness of Allah and to fear Him. It encourages believers to prioritize their spiritual well-being over worldly distractions.

Furthermore, the Quran warns against engaging in idle pursuits that divert our attention from the remembrance of Allah. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77, Allah says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual aspirations. It cautions against indulging excessively in worldly pleasures, as it can lead to corruption and negligence of our ultimate purpose in life.

Imam Ali's statement highlights the significance of using our intelligence wisely by avoiding idle sport. Idle sport refers to any activity that serves no purpose or benefit in this world or the Hereafter. It includes excessive entertainment, mindless gossip, and wasteful pursuits. By abstaining from such distractions, we can channel our intelligence towards meaningful endeavors that bring us closer to Allah and benefit society.

Keeping away from idle sport has profound consequences in our lives. It allows us to focus on acquiring knowledge, seeking wisdom, and engaging in acts of worship. By utilizing our intelligence in this manner, we can attain spiritual growth, develop a deep understanding of our faith, and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims. Moreover, it protects us from falling into the traps of worldly temptations and ensures that our actions are aligned with the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali's emphasis on the best intelligence being the one that avoids idle sport serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of how they spend their time and energy. It encourages us to prioritize activities that bring us closer to Allah and contribute positively to our personal and collective growth. By doing so, we can lead purposeful lives that are in line with the teachings of the Quran and the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of utilizing our intelligence wisely by keeping away from idle sport. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual well-being and avoid engaging in frivolous activities that distract us from the remembrance of Allah. By doing so, we can channel our intelligence towards meaningful endeavors, attain spiritual growth, and lead purposeful lives as Muslims. May Allah grant us the wisdom to make the best use of our intelligence and protect us from the distractions of idle sport.