Hadith #4208

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

We seek refuge with Allah from the evils of the intellect (or from evil actions) and the ugliness of errors, and from Him do we seek assistance [against all this].

This impactful Hadith highlights the importance of seeking refuge in Allah from the negative consequences of our actions and the errors we may commit.

Let us first delve into the key words of this Hadith. The word (intellect) "عَقْلِ" refers to the faculty of reasoning and understanding. It encompasses our ability to think, comprehend, and make decisions. The word (actions) "عَمَلِ" refers to the deeds and actions that we perform in our lives. The word (errors) "زَّلَلِ" refers to mistakes, slips, or deviations from the right path.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:200),

And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking refuge in Allah when faced with negative influences or temptations. It reminds us that Allah is All-Hearing and All-Knowing, and He is the ultimate source of protection and guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Falaq (113:1-2), Allah says,

Say, 'I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak from the evil of that which He created, and from the evil of darkness when it settles.

This verse teaches us to seek refuge in Allah from the evil that exists in the world, both in the physical realm and in the darkness of ignorance and wrongdoing. It reminds us that Allah is the Creator of all things, and He has power over everything.

Now, let us reflect on the exegesis of the Hadith itself. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of seeking refuge in Allah. He acknowledges that the intellect, although a great gift from Allah, can also lead us astray if not guided by divine wisdom. Our actions, driven by our intellect, can either be righteous or evil. Therefore, seeking refuge in Allah from the evils of the intellect implies seeking His guidance and protection to ensure that our actions are in line with His will.

The second part of the Hadith highlights the ugliness of errors. Errors are inevitable in our lives, as we are prone to making mistakes. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to seek refuge in Allah from the consequences of these errors. By seeking His assistance, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and recognize that only through His guidance and forgiveness can we rectify our mistakes and avoid their negative consequences.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to constantly seek refuge in Allah and seek His assistance in all aspects of our lives. It teaches us humility, acknowledging our limitations as human beings and our need for Allah's guidance and protection. It also emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and accountability, as we strive to align our intellect and actions with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to seek refuge in Allah from the evils of the intellect and the ugliness of errors. It reminds us to seek His assistance in all aspects of our lives, recognizing that only through His guidance can we navigate the complexities of this world and attain success in the hereafter. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to seek refuge in Him and to constantly strive for righteousness.