Hadith #3006

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this beautiful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the foolishness of those who consider themselves to be the most intelligent among all people. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) uses the word (ahmaq) "أحْمَقُ", which means "foolish" or "ignorant," to describe such individuals. This word carries a strong connotation of lacking wisdom and understanding.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us reflect upon the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of humility, knowledge, and seeking wisdom. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:170)

And when it is said to them, 'Follow what Allah has revealed,' they say, 'Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.' Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?

This verse highlights the ignorance of those who blindly follow the traditions of their forefathers without seeking knowledge or understanding. They consider themselves wise, yet their actions reveal their lack of true wisdom. Similarly, in Surah Al-Jathiyah, Allah says, (Quran 45:16)

Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty? But we had already given the family of Abraham the Scripture and wisdom and conferred upon them a great kingdom.

Here, Allah reminds us that true wisdom and knowledge are gifts from Him. It is not something that can be claimed or possessed by any individual. It is a blessing that Allah bestows upon those who seek it sincerely and humbly. Therefore, those who consider themselves to be the most intelligent are, in fact, the most foolish, as they fail to recognize the true source of wisdom and knowledge.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for all Muslims to remain humble and continuously seek knowledge. It warns against the arrogance that can arise from a false sense of superiority in intellect. True intelligence lies in recognizing our limitations and constantly striving to increase our understanding of the world and our Creator.

When individuals believe they possess superior intelligence, they close themselves off to learning from others and become stagnant in their growth. They fail to recognize that knowledge is vast and limitless, and no one person can claim to possess all knowledge. This arrogance can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding towards others, as well as a disregard for differing perspectives and opinions.

Moreover, the consequences of such arrogance are detrimental not only to the individual but also to society as a whole. It creates division, fosters a sense of superiority, and hinders progress. In contrast, humility and a genuine thirst for knowledge enable individuals to engage in meaningful dialogue, learn from one another, and contribute positively to society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to constantly evaluate their own understanding and seek knowledge with humility. It encourages us to recognize that true intelligence lies in acknowledging our limitations and continuously striving to increase our wisdom and understanding. May Allah guide us all on the path of knowledge and grant us the humility to recognize our own ignorance.