Hadith #8610

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

لاعَقْلَ لِمَنْ يَتَجاوَزُ حَدَّهُ وَقَدْرَهُ۔

This thought-provoking saying can be translated as,

One who transgresses his limits and his status has no intelligence.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (yatajawazu) "يَتَجاوَزُ" means to exceed or go beyond. It refers to crossing the boundaries or limits set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and violating the prescribed norms. The word (haddahu) "حَدَّهُ" refers to one's boundaries, limits, or restrictions. It encompasses both the physical and moral boundaries that Allah has established for His creation. Lastly, the word (qadrahu) "قَدْرَهُ" refers to one's status, position, or worth.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 56,

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of adhering to the limits set by Allah and avoiding any actions that may lead to corruption or transgression.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 70, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.

This verse highlights the elevated status and honor bestowed upon human beings by Allah. It serves as a reminder that we should not undermine our own worth by transgressing the limits set by our Creator.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to exercise wisdom and intelligence in their actions. When one exceeds their limits and status, they display a lack of understanding and disregard for the divine boundaries set by Allah. Such behavior can lead to dire consequences, both in this world and the hereafter.

For example, if a person transgresses their limits by indulging in excessive wealth accumulation, they may become consumed by greed and materialism. This can lead to neglecting their obligations towards the less fortunate and disregarding the principles of justice and compassion. In turn, this behavior can result in societal imbalance, inequality, and a loss of moral integrity.

Similarly, if a person exceeds their status by arrogantly asserting authority over others, they may abuse their power and oppress those under their control. This can lead to the deterioration of trust, harmony, and social cohesion within a community or society.

On the other hand, a person who recognizes and respects their limits and status demonstrates intelligence and wisdom. They understand the importance of adhering to the divine boundaries and strive to fulfill their responsibilities with humility and sincerity. By doing so, they contribute to the betterment of society, promote justice, and uphold the values of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to exercise wisdom and intelligence in their actions. By recognizing and respecting our limits and status, we demonstrate our understanding of the divine boundaries set by Allah. This understanding enables us to fulfill our responsibilities with humility, sincerity, and righteousness, thereby contributing to the betterment of society and the attainment of Allah's pleasure. May we all strive to embody the wisdom and intelligence exemplified by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek Allah's guidance in every aspect of our lives.