Hadith #278

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, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Your messenger is the interpreter of your intelligence while your letter is more eloquent in expressing your true self.

This wise utterance highlights the significance of communication and the role it plays in conveying one's thoughts and intentions.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (تَرْجُمَانُ) "messenger" refers to someone who translates or interprets the thoughts and ideas of another person. In this context, it signifies the role of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as the interpreter of Allah's message to humanity. The word (عَقْلِكَ) "intelligence" refers to the intellect, wisdom, and knowledge possessed by Allah. It signifies the profound understanding and guidance that the Prophet (ﷺ) received from Allah.

The term (كِتَابُكَ) "letter" in this Hadith refers to the Quran, which is the divine book revealed by Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It is described as being more eloquent in expressing the true essence of Allah's message. The Quran is a comprehensive and complete guide that encompasses all aspects of life and provides guidance for humanity.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for further clarification. Allah says in Surah Al-Qamar (54:17),

And We have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?

This verse emphasizes the clarity and simplicity of the Quran, which makes it accessible to everyone. It is a book that contains guidance for all aspects of life, addressing the intellectual, spiritual, and practical needs of humanity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185), Allah says,

The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed as guidance to mankind.

This verse highlights the Quran's role as a guide for humanity, providing clear instructions and guidance for all aspects of life. It is through the Quran that Allah communicates His message to humanity, just as the letter in the Hadith is described as being more eloquent in expressing one's true self.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of understanding and interpreting the message of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) served as the messenger and interpreter of Allah's wisdom and knowledge, conveying it to humanity in a way that they could comprehend and apply in their lives. Similarly, the Quran, as the letter, is a comprehensive and eloquent expression of Allah's true self, providing guidance and clarity to all.

This Hadith reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding the teachings of the Quran. It encourages us to reflect upon the words of Allah and the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ), as they are the means through which we can attain true wisdom and guidance in our lives. It also highlights the responsibility of Muslims to convey the message of Islam accurately and effectively, just as the Prophet (ﷺ) did during his lifetime.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the profound role of communication in conveying knowledge and understanding. It emphasizes the importance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as the interpreter of Allah's wisdom and the Quran as the eloquent expression of Allah's true self. Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge, reflect upon the Quran, and convey the message of Islam accurately and effectively to others. May Allah guide us all in understanding and implementing His teachings.