Hadith #7107

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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,

For everything there is an alms-tax and the alms-tax of intelligence is tolerating the ignorant ones.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (zakat) "زَكَاة" refers to the act of purification and giving charity. It is a means of purifying one's wealth and soul. The word (aql) "عَقْل" means intelligence or intellect, which is a divine gift bestowed upon humans to distinguish between right and wrong.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that just as there is a zakat for material possessions, there is also a zakat for intelligence. This zakat of intelligence is manifested in the form of tolerating the ignorant ones. It implies that those who possess knowledge and wisdom have a responsibility to exercise patience and forbearance towards those who lack understanding or knowledge.

This concept of zakat of intelligence finds its roots in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 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 noble character of the believers who respond to ignorance with peace and kindness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 199, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to

show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and turning away from the ignorant, rather than engaging in argumentation or confrontation.

The zakat of intelligence, as mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), is a profound concept that requires deep reflection. It teaches us that possessing knowledge and wisdom should not lead to arrogance or belittlement of others. Instead, it should inspire us to exercise patience, empathy, and understanding towards those who lack knowledge or understanding.

By tolerating the ignorant ones, we create an environment of compassion and respect. We become ambassadors of knowledge, guiding others towards the path of enlightenment. This act of patience and forbearance not only benefits the ignorant ones but also purifies our own souls and strengthens our character.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this concept throughout his life. He demonstrated patience and tolerance towards those who opposed him, even in the face of adversity. His ability to tolerate the ignorant ones was a reflection of his profound understanding of the zakat of intelligence.

As Muslims, we are called to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and implement the zakat of intelligence in our lives. We should strive to be patient and understanding towards those who lack knowledge, guiding them with wisdom and compassion. By doing so, we contribute to the betterment of society and uphold the teachings of the Quran.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of the zakat of intelligence, which is manifested in tolerating the ignorant ones. This concept is deeply rooted in the Quranic teachings of patience, forgiveness, and compassion. By embodying this zakat, we purify our souls, strengthen our character, and contribute to a harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to implement the zakat of intelligence in our lives.