Hadith #7173

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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 self-accountability and taking responsibility for fulfilling one's obligations. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (intelligent) "عاقل" in the Hadith refers to a person who possesses wisdom, understanding, and the ability to make sound judgments. Such an individual is not only knowledgeable but also applies their knowledge in practical ways. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that an intelligent person is one who charges themselves with fulfilling their obligations and duties towards Allah and others.

This concept of self-accountability is rooted in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah has given us the capacity to fulfill our obligations and responsibilities. As intelligent Muslims, we should recognize our capabilities and strive to fulfill our obligations to the best of our abilities.

Furthermore, the Hadith states that an intelligent person does not charge themselves with seeking what is due to them. This implies that they do not focus solely on their own rights and entitlements, but rather prioritize fulfilling their obligations towards others. This selflessness is beautifully captured in the Quran in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), where Allah says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., the Ansar] and [adopted] faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation.

This verse highlights the noble character of the Ansar, who welcomed and supported the Muhajireen (emigrants) from Makkah. Despite their own needs and challenges, the Ansar prioritized the well-being of their fellow Muslims. This exemplifies the selflessness and sense of responsibility that an intelligent person should possess.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect on their own actions and intentions. It encourages us to be proactive in fulfilling our obligations towards Allah and others, rather than seeking personal gain or focusing solely on our own rights. This mindset fosters a sense of unity, compassion, and selflessness within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of self-accountability and prioritizing our obligations over personal gain. By embodying the qualities of an intelligent person, we can strive to fulfill our duties towards Allah and others, following the examples set by the Quran and the noble companions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). May Allah guide us all to be intelligent Muslims who fulfill our obligations and seek His pleasure above all else.