Hadith #7131

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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) states, "لاعَقْلَ كَالتَّجاهُلِ۔" which translates to

There is no intelligence like feigning ignorance [when in the company of those who lack etiquette].

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of displaying humility and patience when dealing with individuals who lack proper manners and etiquette.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word (intelligence) "عَقْلَ" refers to the ability to think, reason, and comprehend. It encompasses intellectual capacity, wisdom, and understanding. (feigning ignorance) "تَّجاهُلِ" refers to the act of pretending to be unaware or unknowledgeable about something, even though one possesses knowledge or expertise in that area.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:199), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to

show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse emphasizes the importance of displaying patience and forbearance when dealing with those who lack knowledge or exhibit ignorance. It encourages the Prophet (ﷺ) to adopt a compassionate and understanding approach, rather than engaging in arguments or confrontations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the true servants of the Most Merciful as those who

walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse highlights the noble character of the believers, who respond to ignorance and rudeness with words of peace and tranquility. It exemplifies the importance of maintaining composure and avoiding unnecessary conflicts.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. Feigning ignorance does not imply a lack of intelligence or knowledge, but rather it signifies the ability to exercise wisdom and patience in dealing with those who lack proper etiquette. It is a manifestation of humility and self-control, as one chooses not to engage in arguments or debates that may lead to discord or animosity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to prioritize maintaining harmonious relationships and promoting a peaceful environment, even in the face of ignorance or rudeness. By feigning ignorance, we avoid unnecessary conflicts and strive to create an atmosphere of understanding and respect. This approach allows us to preserve our own dignity and integrity, while also potentially influencing others positively through our exemplary behavior.

For instance, imagine a situation where someone lacks proper etiquette and engages in disrespectful behavior. Instead of responding with anger or arrogance, feigning ignorance allows us to respond with patience and kindness. By doing so, we not only diffuse the tension but also provide an opportunity for the other person to reflect on their own actions and potentially change their behavior in the future.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of displaying intelligence through feigning ignorance when dealing with individuals who lack proper etiquette. It emphasizes the significance of maintaining harmonious relationships and promoting a peaceful environment, even in the face of ignorance or rudeness. By adopting this approach, we can contribute to the betterment of society and inspire positive change in others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and patience to implement this valuable lesson in our lives.