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Asul Al-Kafi (Book of Ahadis) - The Book of Intelligence & Ignorance

H 1, Ch. 1, h 1

Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Ya’qub has narrated from a number of our people of whom one is
Muhammad ibn Yahya al-‘Attar who narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from Hassan ibn Mahbub
from 'Ala' ibn Razin from Muhammad ibn Muslim from abu Ja’far (a.s) who has said the following:

" When Allah, God, created Intelligence He made it speak and then He said to it, ‘Come forward’. It came forward. He then said, "Go back." It went back. Then Allah said, "I swear by My honor and glory that I have not created any creature more beloved to Me than you. I will not perfect you in anyone except those whom I love. I, however, will command only you to do things and prohibit only you from doing certain things. I will grant blessings (rewards) to you only and will subject only you to punishments."


Reflections:
Such an amazing thing is intelligence. Intelligence not only sets us apart from other living beings, it allows us to differentiate between good and evil, light and darkness, hatred and kindness, and all the yin and yangs out there. One thing to note about intelligence is that mind is like a cultivating field of intelligence. Intelligence is bestowed by the Almighty God, but optimum utilization is only possible through proper cultivation, nurture and exercise. For example, if a musician has to practice his voice multiple hours a day in order to reach a level where he is appreciated, why should we as humans think that growth of intelligence does not require any exercise.

Finally, even after exercise, praying is the key to gain more intelligence. Since its God's gift, he alone can ameliorate this gift and transform it into something which can benefit the world through our means.

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