Hadith #7184

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أعْقَلُ النّاسِ أحْياهُمْ۔" This can be translated as,

The most intelligent of people is the most modest of them.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom behind this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (aql) "أعْقَلُ" in this Hadith refers to intelligence or intellect. It encompasses the ability to reason, understand, and make sound judgments. It is a quality that distinguishes humans from other creations and is highly valued in Islam. The word (ahyaahum) "أحْياهُمْ" means the one who possesses the most modesty or humility.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of modesty and humility in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that the most honorable and intelligent individuals are those who possess righteousness and piety.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

This verse emphasizes that those who do not seek power, wealth, or arrogance in this world, but instead remain humble and modest, will be rewarded with the best outcome in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the correlation between intelligence and modesty. True intelligence lies not only in intellectual capacity but also in recognizing the importance of humility and modesty. A person who possesses intelligence without modesty may become arrogant, self-centered, and disconnected from the realities of life. On the other hand, a person who combines intelligence with modesty demonstrates wisdom, empathy, and a deep understanding of the human condition.

Modesty is a quality that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified throughout his life. His knowledge and wisdom were not accompanied by arrogance or a desire for power. Instead, he used his intellect to serve humanity, promote justice, and guide people towards the path of righteousness. His humility allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life and gain their trust and respect.

The consequences of embodying both intelligence and modesty are far-reaching. It leads to personal growth, harmonious relationships, and a positive impact on society. When individuals prioritize modesty, they create an environment of mutual respect, empathy, and cooperation. They are open to learning from others, accepting different perspectives, and working together towards common goals.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing both our intellectual capacities and our humility. We should strive to acquire knowledge, seek wisdom, and develop our intellects. However, we must also remember that true intelligence lies in recognizing our limitations, acknowledging the contributions of others, and treating everyone with respect and kindness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the most intelligent individuals are those who possess the most modesty. This wisdom is supported by the Quranic emphasis on the importance of humility and righteousness. By embodying both intelligence and modesty, we can cultivate a balanced and enlightened approach to life, benefiting ourselves and those around us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement this profound teaching in our lives.