Hadith #6990

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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) emphasizes the importance of intelligence and provides guidance on how to cultivate it. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith, exploring its key words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first word to be examined is (intelligence) "عَقْلُ". It refers to the faculty of reason and understanding, enabling one to make sound judgments and decisions. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of using one's intellect. For example, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:43), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the significance of acquiring knowledge and using one's intellect to comprehend the signs of Allah.

The next important word is (to be moderate) "تَقْتَصِدُ". This implies avoiding excess and extravagance in all aspects of life. The Quran encourages moderation in various aspects, such as spending, eating, and even worship. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah advises,

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

This verse reminds Muslims to strike a balance in their actions and avoid extremes.

The third word is (to promise) "تَعِدُ". It emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's commitments and obligations. In the Quran, Allah emphasizes the significance of fulfilling promises and warns against breaking them. In Surah Al-Isra (17:34), Allah says,

And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse highlights the importance of upholding promises and the accountability that comes with them.

The final word is (when you get angry) "غَضِبْتَ". It refers to the natural emotion of anger that humans experience. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be forbearing and patient when we are angry. The Quran provides guidance on controlling anger and encourages forgiveness and patience. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah says,

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse reminds Muslims of the virtues of controlling anger and forgiving others.

Now, let us reflect on the profound guidance provided by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He advises us to be moderate in our actions, avoiding excess and extravagance. This applies to all aspects of life, including our consumption, spending, and even our religious practices. By being moderate, we maintain a balanced lifestyle and avoid falling into the traps of materialism and greed.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our promises and commitments. This teaches us the value of integrity and reliability. When we make a promise, we should strive to fulfill it, as it reflects our trustworthiness and sincerity. This also applies to our commitments in relationships, work, and society at large.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be forbearing and patient when we experience anger. Anger is a natural emotion, but it is our responsibility to control it and respond with patience and forgiveness. By doing so, we maintain harmonious relationships and prevent conflicts from escalating.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides profound guidance on cultivating intelligence. By being moderate, fulfilling our promises, and controlling our anger, we develop a balanced and virtuous character. These teachings align with the principles emphasized in the Quran, highlighting the importance of using our intellect and adhering to moral values. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to implement these teachings in our lives and attain His pleasure.