Hadith #7108

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) states,

The intellect will never be adorned until it is complemented by forbearance.

This beautiful saying emphasizes the importance of combining intellectual abilities with patience and forbearance. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (intellect) "عَقْلُ" refers to the faculty of reasoning, understanding, and discernment. It is a gift from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that distinguishes humans from other creations. The intellect enables us to comprehend the world around us, make informed decisions, and seek knowledge.

The word (forbearance) "حِلْمُ" refers to patience, tolerance, and the ability to control one's emotions in challenging situations. It is an essential virtue that allows individuals to remain calm and composed, even in the face of adversity.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that highlight the significance of both intellect and forbearance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 95:4-6)

And We have certainly created man in the best of stature. Then We return him to the lowest of the low, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds, for they will have a reward uninterrupted

This verse emphasizes the importance of using one's intellect to recognize the truth and engage in righteous actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 3:133-134)

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous 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 highlights the virtue of forbearance and its reward in the Hereafter.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The intellect alone is not sufficient for one's personal and spiritual growth. It must be complemented by forbearance, as it is through patience and self-control that the intellect can truly flourish.

For example, imagine a person with great intellectual abilities but lacks forbearance. Such an individual may possess vast knowledge but may struggle to apply it effectively in their interactions with others. They may become easily agitated, quick to anger, and unable to handle challenging situations with grace. In contrast, a person who combines their intellect with forbearance can navigate through difficulties calmly, seek peaceful resolutions, and maintain harmonious relationships.

Moreover, the combination of intellect and forbearance enables individuals to make wise decisions and judgments. It allows them to consider different perspectives, weigh the consequences of their actions, and respond to situations with wisdom and insight. This balance prevents hasty and impulsive reactions, leading to better outcomes in personal, social, and professional spheres.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the intellect alone is not enough to attain true adornment. It is through the cultivation of forbearance that the intellect can reach its full potential. By combining intellectual abilities with patience, tolerance, and self-control, Muslims can navigate through life's challenges with wisdom and grace. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to adorn our intellect with forbearance and guide us on the path of righteousness.