Hadith #10343

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 concept of free will and the role of intellect in guiding our actions and protecting us from misfortune. Let us delve deeper into the words of this profound Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) stating, "Souls are free." Here, the word "nufus" refers to human souls or inner selves. It emphasizes the inherent freedom that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon each individual. We have been granted the ability to make choices and decisions in our lives, and we are responsible for the consequences of those choices.

However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) continues by saying,

but the hands of the intellects hold their reins.

The word (hands) "aydi" symbolizes the power or control that the intellect possesses over our souls. It implies that our intellects have the ability to guide and direct our actions, just as reins control the movement of a horse. Our intellects act as a guiding force, helping us make informed decisions and preventing us from falling into misguidance and misfortune.

This concept of the intellect's role in guiding our actions is supported by various verses of the Quran. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of wisdom and intellect, as it is a gift from Allah that enables us to make righteous choices and avoid misfortune.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.

This verse highlights the significance of utilizing our intellects and reasoning abilities to make sound decisions. It implies that neglecting or disregarding our intellects can lead to spiritual and moral degradation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also implies that the intellect acts as a shield, protecting us from misfortune and wretchedness. By using our intellects to make wise choices, we can avoid harmful actions and their negative consequences. This aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of seeking guidance and making decisions based on knowledge and wisdom.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 encourages us to use our intellects to verify information and avoid spreading false rumors or causing harm based on ignorance. By doing so, we protect ourselves and others from the consequences of our actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the concept of free will and the role of intellect in guiding our actions and protecting us from misfortune. It emphasizes that while our souls are inherently free, it is our intellects that hold the reins and guide us towards righteousness. By utilizing our intellects to make informed decisions, we can avoid misguidance and its detrimental consequences. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to make choices that lead to our spiritual growth and well-being.