Hadith #8616

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, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

When you are unable to understand something with your intellect then follow the opinion of the intelligent one and he will remove your ignorance about it.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from those who possess wisdom and knowledge when we are unable to comprehend certain matters.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (your intellect) "عَقْلِكَ" refers to one's own understanding and reasoning. It signifies the limitations of human intellect and the recognition that there are certain matters that may surpass our comprehension. The word (opinion) "رَأْيِ" refers to the viewpoint or judgment of someone who possesses wisdom and knowledge. It implies seeking guidance from those who are more knowledgeable and experienced in order to gain a better understanding.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Nahl (16:43),

And We sent not before you except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message if you do not know.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from those who have been bestowed with divine knowledge and understanding.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:7), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And We sent not before you, [O Muhammad], except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message if you do not know.

This verse reiterates the importance of seeking guidance from those who have been chosen by Allah to receive divine revelation.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to seek the guidance of those who possess wisdom and knowledge when we are unable to understand something. This guidance can come from scholars, experts, and individuals who have dedicated their lives to the study and understanding of Islamic teachings. By following their opinions and insights, we can overcome our own limitations and gain a deeper understanding of complex matters.

For example, when faced with intricate theological concepts, we may find it challenging to fully comprehend them on our own. In such situations, seeking guidance from scholars who have spent years studying and researching these concepts can help remove our ignorance and provide us with a clearer understanding.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of humility and recognizing our own limitations. It reminds us that we should not let our ego prevent us from seeking guidance when we are unable to understand something. By acknowledging our own limitations, we open ourselves up to the wisdom and knowledge of others, allowing us to grow spiritually and intellectually.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking guidance from those who possess wisdom and knowledge when we are unable to understand certain matters. It encourages us to overcome our own limitations and embrace the insights of others in order to gain a deeper understanding. By doing so, we can remove our ignorance and continue to grow in our knowledge and understanding of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek guidance and the humility to recognize our own limitations.