Hadith #7119

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The rectitude of the creation is [achieved through] the intellect.

This wise utterance emphasizes the importance of intellect in guiding individuals towards righteousness and moral uprightness. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (salah) "صَلاحُ" in the Hadith refers to rectitude, righteousness, or moral uprightness. It signifies the state of being in accordance with the divine guidance and fulfilling one's obligations towards Allah and fellow human beings. The term (al-bariyyah) "البَرِيَّةِ" refers to the creation, encompassing all living beings and the entire universe. Lastly, (al-'aql) "العَقْلُ" refers to intellect, which is the faculty of reasoning, understanding, and discernment.

The Quranic verses beautifully support the concept of intellect as the means to attain rectitude. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

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

Here, Allah emphasizes the importance of understanding and intellect in acquiring the best provision, which is piety.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:43), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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

This verse highlights that true understanding and comprehension of Allah's signs and examples can only be attained through knowledge and intellect.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the rectitude of the creation is achieved through the intellect. It implies that intellect plays a crucial role in guiding individuals towards righteousness and moral uprightness. The intellect enables us to discern between right and wrong, make informed decisions, and act in accordance with the divine guidance.

Through the use of intellect, we can understand the teachings of the Quran and apply them in our lives. It is through intellect that we can recognize the signs of Allah in the universe, ponder upon His creation, and develop a deep sense of gratitude and awe. The intellect empowers us to resist temptations, overcome challenges, and strive for excellence in all aspects of life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was renowned for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His intellect guided him in his governance, jurisprudence, and spiritual teachings. His famous saying,

I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate,

reflects his unparalleled wisdom and intellectual prowess.

The consequences of neglecting the intellect are evident in society today. When individuals fail to utilize their intellect, they become susceptible to ignorance, superstitions, and misguided beliefs. They may fall prey to false ideologies, harmful practices, and unethical behaviors. However, when intellect is nurtured and utilized, it becomes a powerful tool for personal growth, societal progress, and spiritual enlightenment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of intellect in attaining rectitude. It reminds us that the intellect is a divine gift that enables us to understand and follow the path of righteousness. By utilizing our intellect, we can navigate through the complexities of life, make informed choices, and align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran. May Allah bless us with the ability to cultivate and utilize our intellect for the betterment of ourselves and the entire creation.