Hadith #7015

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny (Ahl al-Bayt), and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "العقل لاينخدع" which translates to

The intellect is not deceived.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims in understanding the importance of intellect and its role in discerning truth from falsehood.

The word (aql) "عقل" in Arabic refers to the intellect or rationality. It is the faculty of the mind that enables human beings to think, reason, and make judgments. It is a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that distinguishes humans from other creations. The intellect is a powerful tool that allows us to comprehend the world around us, understand the teachings of Islam, and make informed decisions.

The phrase (la yankhadi) "لا ينخدع" means "is not deceived." It emphasizes the inherent strength and reliability of the intellect. It implies that the intellect, when properly utilized, is not easily misled or swayed by false ideas, temptations, or deceptive influences. It serves as a safeguard against falling into ignorance, falsehood, and misguided beliefs.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in numerous verses of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of using our intellect and reasoning abilities to seek knowledge, understand His signs, and distinguish between truth and falsehood.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 164, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.

This verse highlights the role of intellect in recognizing the signs of Allah's creation and reflecting upon them to gain deeper insights into the truth.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 43, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge.

This verse emphasizes that true understanding and comprehension can only be achieved through the proper use of intellect and knowledge.

The consequences of neglecting or misusing the intellect are also highlighted in the Quran. In Surah Al-A'raf, verse 179, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes those who follow their desires without using their intellect as being like cattle,

And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate and nurture their intellects. It encourages us to seek knowledge, critically analyze information, and make informed decisions based on reason and evidence. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from being deceived by false ideologies, misleading arguments, and baseless claims.

The intellect, when guided by the teachings of Islam, becomes a powerful tool for personal growth, spiritual development, and societal progress. It enables us to understand the deeper meanings of the Quran and apply its teachings in our lives. It empowers us to engage in intellectual discourse, contribute to the betterment of society, and uphold justice and truth.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement,

The intellect is not deceived,

reminds Muslims of the importance of utilizing their intellects to seek knowledge, distinguish truth from falsehood, and make informed decisions. It highlights the inherent strength and reliability of the intellect when guided by the teachings of Islam. By nurturing and developing our intellects, we can safeguard ourselves from being deceived and contribute to the betterment of ourselves and society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to utilize our intellects in the pursuit of truth and righteousness.