Hadith #7256

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ لايَعْقِلْ يَهُنْ، ومَنْ يَهُنْ لايُوَقَّرْ۔

This amazing Hadith emphasizes the importance of using one's intellect and the consequences of neglecting it. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (intellect) "عَقْل" in the Hadith refers to the faculty of reasoning, understanding, and discernment that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon human beings. It is through the use of our intellect that we are able to comprehend the signs of Allah in the universe and make informed decisions. Allah says in the Quran, (Quran 3:190)

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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that one who does not utilize their intellect is (abased) "يَهُنْ". This means that they are humiliated, degraded, and deprived of the honor and dignity that Allah has bestowed upon human beings. By neglecting their intellect, they fail to fulfill their purpose of seeking knowledge, understanding the truth, and making righteous choices. Allah says in the Quran, (Quran 17:70)

And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that one who is abased is not revered or respected. When a person neglects their intellect and fails to seek knowledge, they become susceptible to ignorance, falsehood, and misguided beliefs. This leads to their marginalization and lack of influence in society. On the other hand, those who utilize their intellect, seek knowledge, and understand the truth are revered and respected by others. Allah says in the Quran, (Quran 39:9)

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?' Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

The consequences of neglecting one's intellect are far-reaching. It not only affects an individual's personal growth and development but also impacts their relationship with Allah and their fellow human beings. By failing to use their intellect, individuals may fall into ignorance, superstition, and blind following, which can lead them astray from the path of righteousness. Allah says in the Quran, (Quran 2:170)

And when it is said to them, 'Follow what Allah has revealed,' they say, 'Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.' Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?

In contrast, those who utilize their intellect and seek knowledge are able to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. They are guided by the light of knowledge and understanding, which enables them to make informed decisions and live a life of righteousness. Allah says in the Quran, (Quran 13:11)

Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. And when Allah intends for a people ill, there is no repelling it. And there is not for them besides Him any patron.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to utilize their intellect, seek knowledge, and understand the truth. Neglecting one's intellect leads to humiliation and a lack of reverence, while utilizing it leads to honor and respect. By using our intellect, we are able to comprehend the signs of Allah, make informed decisions, and live a life of righteousness. May Allah bless us with the ability to use our intellect and seek knowledge, and may He grant us honor and reverence in this world and the Hereafter.