Hadith #10133

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The person who attains his objective the most is one who has intelligence and is mild-mannered.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of two qualities: intelligence (عَقْلِ) and mild-manneredness (مُتَرَفِّقُ).

Intelligence (عَقْلِ) refers to the ability to think, reason, and make sound judgments. It encompasses intellectual capacity, wisdom, and understanding. In the context of this Hadith, intelligence plays a crucial role in achieving one's objectives. It enables a person to analyze situations, make informed decisions, and take appropriate actions. The Quran affirms the significance of intelligence in numerous verses. For example, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269),

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good.

This verse highlights that intelligence is a gift from Allah and a means of attaining goodness.

Mild-manneredness (مُتَرَفِّقُ) refers to being gentle, kind, and considerate in one's behavior and interactions with others. It involves showing patience, forbearance, and humility. This quality is essential in achieving one's objectives because it fosters harmonious relationships, facilitates effective communication, and promotes cooperation. The Quran emphasizes the importance of mild-manneredness in various verses. For instance, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63),

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse highlights the virtue of responding to ignorance with peace and tranquility.

Now, let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that the person who is most successful in achieving their objectives is the one who combines intelligence and mild-manneredness. Intelligence enables us to make wise decisions and take appropriate actions, while mild-manneredness allows us to navigate through challenges and conflicts with grace and dignity.

When a person possesses intelligence, they are able to assess situations accurately, identify the best course of action, and make informed choices. This intelligence is not limited to academic knowledge but also includes emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions and those of others. By utilizing their intelligence, individuals can strategize and plan effectively, increasing their chances of success in achieving their goals.

On the other hand, mild-manneredness complements intelligence by enabling individuals to navigate social interactions and conflicts in a peaceful and respectful manner. When faced with challenges or opposition, a mild-mannered person remains calm, composed, and patient. They choose their words wisely, avoiding harsh or offensive language. This approach not only helps in resolving conflicts but also fosters positive relationships, as others are more likely to respond positively to kindness and gentleness.

The combination of intelligence and mild-manneredness has numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows individuals to approach challenges and conflicts with a level-headed mindset, enabling them to find creative solutions and overcome obstacles. Secondly, it promotes effective communication and collaboration, as people are more willing to cooperate with those who treat them with respect and kindness. Thirdly, it cultivates a positive and harmonious environment, where individuals feel valued and appreciated, leading to increased productivity and overall well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the person who attains their objectives the most is one who possesses intelligence and is mild-mannered. Intelligence allows individuals to make wise decisions and take appropriate actions, while mild-manneredness enables them to navigate through challenges and conflicts with grace and dignity. By combining these qualities, individuals can increase their chances of success, foster positive relationships, and create a harmonious environment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and the ability to embody these qualities in our lives.