Hadith #7087

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The intrinsic nature of the intellect rejects dispraised action.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (gharizatu) "غَريزَةُ" refers to the intrinsic nature or instinctive inclination of the intellect. It represents the natural disposition that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon human beings, enabling them to distinguish between right and wrong. The word (dhamim) "ذَميمَ" means dispraised or blameworthy, indicating actions that are morally reprehensible or condemned.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:179), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And certainly, We have created many jinn and mankind for Hell. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. They are like cattle, rather they are more astray; those are the heedless.

This verse highlights the importance of utilizing the intellect that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has blessed us with. It emphasizes that those who fail to use their intellect are akin to cattle, lacking the ability to comprehend and differentiate between right and wrong. The intrinsic nature of the intellect, as mentioned in the Hadith, rejects actions that are dispraised because it is inherently inclined towards righteousness and moral uprightness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of using intellect and reason to verify information before taking any action. It cautions against blindly following others or spreading false information, as it may lead to harm and regret.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the innate rejection of the intellect towards dispraised actions. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to rely on their intellect and conscience when making decisions and to refrain from engaging in actions that are morally reprehensible. The intellect, when guided by the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), acts as a safeguard against falling into sinful behavior.

For example, if a person is tempted to engage in dishonesty or deceit, their intellect will naturally reject such actions because they are inherently aware of the moral wrongness associated with them. Similarly, if one is inclined towards backbiting or spreading rumors, their intellect will resist these actions as they go against the principles of truthfulness and respect for others.

The consequences of disregarding the intrinsic nature of the intellect and engaging in dispraised actions can be severe. It can lead to a loss of integrity, damage relationships, and distance oneself from the path of righteousness. Moreover, it can have negative repercussions on society as a whole, fostering an environment of mistrust and discord.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of nurturing and developing their intellect. They are encouraged to seek knowledge, understand the teachings of the Quran, and follow the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By doing so, they can align their actions with the intrinsic nature of the intellect and strive towards moral excellence.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the rejection of the intellect towards dispraised actions. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing our God-given intellect to discern between right and wrong, and to refrain from engaging in morally reprehensible behavior. By aligning our actions with the intrinsic nature of the intellect, we can strive towards moral excellence and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in following the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to make choices that are pleasing to Him.