Hadith #7180

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أعْقَلُكُمْ أطْوَعُكُمْ", which translates to

The most intelligent of you is the most submissive of you.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds great wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (Aqalukum) "أعْقَلُكُمْ" refers to the most intelligent or wise among you. It signifies a person who possesses deep understanding, discernment, and rationality. (Atwaukum) "أطْوَعُكُمْ" means the most submissive or obedient among you. It refers to a person who willingly submits to the commands of Allah and follows the teachings of Islam with utmost devotion.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 31:22)

And whoever submits his face to Allah while he is a doer of good - then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold.

This verse emphasizes the importance of submission to Allah and doing good deeds as the ultimate sign of true intelligence.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 4:57)

But those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide forever. For them therein are purified spouses, and We will admit them to deepening shade.

This verse highlights the reward for those who believe and perform righteous deeds, which can only be achieved through sincere submission to Allah's commands.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the correlation between intelligence and submission. True intelligence lies in recognizing the wisdom and guidance of Allah's commands and willingly submitting to them. It is not merely about intellectual prowess or knowledge, but rather about applying that knowledge in a way that aligns with the teachings of Islam.

When we reflect on this Hadith, we realize that true intelligence is not measured by worldly achievements or material success, but by the level of our submission to Allah. The more we submit ourselves to His will, the more we align our actions with His commandments, and the more we strive to please Him, the greater our intelligence becomes in the eyes of Allah.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and submission to Allah over worldly pursuits. It encourages us to seek knowledge, not for the sake of intellectual superiority, but to deepen our understanding of Islam and strengthen our commitment to following its teachings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true intelligence lies in sincere submission to Allah. It reminds us that the most intelligent among us are those who willingly submit to Allah's commands and strive to live their lives in accordance with His teachings. May we all strive to be among the most intelligent by cultivating a deep sense of submission and obedience to Allah in all aspects of our lives.