Hadith #980

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) highlights the remarkable nature of the human being. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by expressing his astonishment at the human body and its intricate design. He states,

How amazing the human being is!

This statement reflects Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) deep appreciation for the creation of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and his recognition of the human being's unique abilities.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then proceeds to describe the various faculties of the human body. He mentions that the human being

sees through [a layer of] fat.

This refers to the presence of the eyeballs, which are protected by layers of fat and muscle. Despite this physical barrier, the human being is able to perceive the world around them through the sense of sight. This is a testament to the precision and functionality of the human body.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the human being

speaks with a piece of flesh.

This refers to the tongue, which is a small organ made of flesh. Through the power of speech, human beings are able to communicate, express their thoughts and emotions, and convey knowledge. The ability to articulate words is a unique gift bestowed upon the human being by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further mentions that the human being

hears with a bone.

This refers to the presence of the auditory ossicles in the middle ear, which are three small bones called the malleus, incus, and stapes. These bones transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear, allowing the human being to perceive sounds. Once again, this demonstrates the intricate design of the human body and its ability to perceive the world through the sense of hearing.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the human being

breathes through a hole.

This refers to the nostrils, which serve as the entry point for air into the respiratory system. Through the process of inhalation and exhalation, the human being is able to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, ensuring the proper functioning of the body. The presence of this small opening highlights the delicate balance and interdependence of the human body's various systems.

In light of the Quran, we find several verses that emphasize the significance of the human being and the marvels of their creation. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Insan (76:1-2),

Has there [not] come upon man a period of time when he was not a thing [even] mentioned? Indeed, We created man from a sperm-drop mixture that We may try him; and We made him hearing and seeing.

These verses highlight the humble origins of the human being and the miraculous process of their creation.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:12-14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators.

These verses highlight the gradual development of the human being from a mere sperm-drop to a fully formed creation.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the intricate design and capabilities of the human body. It encourages us to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to recognize the immense potential within ourselves. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of utilizing our faculties in a responsible and righteous manner, using our speech to spread knowledge and goodness, and using our senses to perceive the signs of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the world around us.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to appreciate the marvels of His creation and to utilize our faculties in a manner that pleases Him. May we strive to deepen our understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and may we be guided by their example in all aspects of our lives.