Hadith #4383

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, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of intellect and understanding in the distribution of sustenance. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, draws our attention to the fact that if sustenance was solely based on intellect and understanding, then the animals and foolish individuals would not be able to survive.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith. The word (sustenance) "أرْزاقُ" refers to the provisions and blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon His creation. It encompasses not only material wealth but also encompasses spiritual, emotional, and intellectual nourishment. The term (understanding) "الألبابِ" refers to the ability to comprehend and grasp knowledge, while (intellect) "العُقُولِ" refers to the faculty of reasoning and rationality.

To further understand the significance of intellect and understanding in the distribution of sustenance, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:269)

It is Allah who grants wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been granted wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

This verse emphasizes that wisdom and understanding are blessings bestowed by Allah upon those whom He chooses. It is through understanding that one can truly appreciate the blessings of sustenance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 49:7)

And know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in much of the matter, you would be in difficulty, but Allah has endeared to you the faith and has made it pleasing in your hearts and has made hateful to you disbelief, defiance, and disobedience. Those are the [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights the importance of faith and guidance, which are closely linked to intellect and understanding. It is through faith and guidance that one can navigate through the challenges of life and attain sustenance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for knowledge and understanding. It encourages us to utilize our intellect and seek wisdom in order to attain sustenance in all its forms. By doing so, we can ensure that we are not only physically nourished but also spiritually and intellectually enriched.

Moreover, this Hadith also serves as a reflection on the divine wisdom behind the distribution of sustenance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in His infinite wisdom has chosen to bestow sustenance upon all of His creation, regardless of their intellectual capacity. This demonstrates His mercy and fairness, as even the animals and those who may lack intellectual abilities are provided for by His grace.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of intellect and understanding in the distribution of sustenance. It reminds us to seek knowledge and wisdom in order to fully appreciate and benefit from the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us strive to develop our intellect and understanding, so that we may lead a balanced and fulfilling life, both in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge and utilize our intellect for His sake.