Hadith #7194

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 pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of humility and submission to the truth. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the most intelligent of people as someone who recognizes the truth, acknowledges its superiority, and willingly submits themselves to it. Such a person is not only humbled by the truth but also honored by it, as they do not undermine its establishment and act upon it with goodness.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (dalla) "ذَلَّ" means to humble oneself or to lower oneself in front of something. It signifies acknowledging the greatness and superiority of the truth. The word (haqq) "حَقِّ" refers to the truth, which is in accordance with the teachings of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). It encompasses the divine guidance found in the Quran and the Sunnah.

The Hadith emphasizes the importance of submitting oneself to the truth. This submission requires recognizing the truth, accepting it wholeheartedly, and aligning one's actions and beliefs accordingly. It is a manifestation of true intelligence and wisdom. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises those who submit to the truth in the Quran, saying: (Quran 4:65)

But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission.

Furthermore, the Hadith emphasizes the importance of not undermining the establishment of the truth. This means that once we recognize the truth, we should not belittle or disregard its importance. We should honor and respect it by upholding its principles and teachings. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to hold firmly to the truth in the Quran, stating: (Quran 3:103)

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.

Acting upon the truth with goodness is another aspect highlighted in this Hadith. It is not enough to merely acknowledge the truth; we must also strive to implement it in our lives with sincerity and excellence. This requires performing righteous deeds and embodying the values and teachings of Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in the Quran, (Quran 29:9)

And those who believe and do righteous deeds - We will surely admit them among the righteous [into Paradise].

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true intelligence lies in recognizing the truth, humbling ourselves before it, honoring its establishment, and acting upon it with goodness. This Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to seek knowledge, understand the truth, and strive to implement it in their lives. It encourages us to be humble, open-minded, and sincere in our pursuit of the truth, and to embody its teachings in our actions and interactions.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the truth, the humility to submit to it, and the strength to act upon it with goodness. May He guide us all on the straight path and bless us with His mercy and forgiveness.