Hadith #7150

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and upon his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَا اسْتَوْدَعَ اللّهُ سُبْحانَهُ امْرَءاً عَقْلاً إلاّ لِيَسْتَنْقِذَهُ بِهِ يَوْماً۔

This can be translated as,

Allah, the Glorified, has only entrusted man with an intellect so that it may one day deliver him.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith by examining its key words and their implications. The word (astawda'a) "استودع" means to entrust or bestow something upon someone. In this context, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon mankind the gift of intellect. The word (aql) "عقل" refers to the faculty of reason and understanding, which distinguishes humans from other creatures.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of intellect and reasoning. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:22), Allah says,

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.

This verse highlights the responsibility placed upon humans to utilize their intellect for guidance and salvation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:164), Allah states,

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.

Here, Allah emphasizes that the signs of His creation are meant to be pondered upon by those who possess intellect. It is through the proper utilization of intellect that one can recognize the signs of Allah's existence and guidance.

Now, let us reflect upon the beautiful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He reminds us that the purpose of our intellect is not merely for worldly pursuits or material gains. Rather, it is a divine trust bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), with the ultimate aim of delivering us on the Day of Judgment.

Our intellect serves as a means of discerning right from wrong, truth from falsehood, and guidance from misguidance. It is through the proper use of our intellect that we can navigate the complexities of life, make informed decisions, and seek the path that leads to Allah's pleasure. Neglecting or misusing this gift would be a betrayal of the trust placed upon us by our Creator.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the profound potential of the human intellect. He himself was a shining example of utilizing intellect in the pursuit of truth and justice. His teachings and actions continue to inspire Muslims to this day.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the immense responsibility we bear as humans endowed with intellect. It urges us to utilize this divine gift to seek knowledge, reflect upon the signs of Allah's creation, and make choices that align with His guidance. By doing so, we can hope for our intellect to deliver us on the Day of Judgment, when we will be held accountable for our actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to fulfill this trust and attain salvation.