Hadith #1371

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "Al-Mu'minoon a'zamu ahlaman." This can be translated as,

Believers possess more intelligence [than others].

In this exegesis, we will explore the connotation behind this statement in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word "Mu'minoon" refers to the believers, those who have submitted themselves to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and have faith in Him. The term "a'zamu" means "greater" or "more." And "ahlaman" can be translated as "intelligence" or "wisdom."

To understand the depth of this statement, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.

This verse highlights the importance of intelligence and reasoning in the sight of Allah. It emphasizes that those who possess intelligence are superior to those who lack it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the believers as those who

ponder and reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth.

This verse emphasizes the intellectual capacity of the believers and their ability to contemplate the signs of Allah's creation.

Imam Ali's statement,

Believers possess more intelligence [than others],

aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. It highlights the fact that believers are endowed with a greater capacity for understanding, reasoning, and wisdom. This intelligence is not limited to worldly knowledge but encompasses a deep understanding of the spiritual realm as well.

The intelligence of the believers is manifested in various aspects of their lives. For example, they possess the ability to discern between right and wrong, guided by the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). They have the wisdom to make sound decisions and to navigate the challenges of life with patience and resilience.

Moreover, the intelligence of the believers is not confined to theoretical knowledge but is reflected in their actions. They apply their understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) in their daily lives, striving to embody the values of Islam. Their intelligence is evident in their compassion, justice, and kindness towards others.

The consequences of possessing greater intelligence as a believer are profound. It enables individuals to lead a life of purpose and fulfillment, guided by the principles of Islam. They are more likely to make choices that align with their faith and contribute positively to society. Their intelligence empowers them to seek knowledge, engage in critical thinking, and continuously grow in their understanding of the religion.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's statement, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing our intelligence as believers. We should strive to seek knowledge, both religious and worldly, and develop our capacity for reasoning and wisdom. By doing so, we can fulfill our purpose as believers and contribute to the betterment of ourselves and the world around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that believers possess greater intelligence than others. This statement aligns with the Quranic teachings that highlight the importance of reasoning, reflection, and wisdom in the sight of Allah. The intelligence of the believers is not limited to theoretical knowledge but is reflected in their actions and choices. It empowers them to lead a purposeful and fulfilling life, guided by the principles of Islam. As Muslims, let us strive to cultivate our intelligence and use it to seek knowledge, make wise decisions, and contribute positively to society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to understand and apply the wisdom of the Quran in our lives.