It is narrated that Imam Ja`far al-Sadiq (a) once asked his companion Mufazzal, “Did you ever consider if a human child were born with fully developed intelligence, what would be the consequences? It’s essential to understand these consequences, as they contradict the many hidden blessings Almighty God bestows upon newborns.”
Imam Sadiq (a) then explained some of these consequences, saying: “If a human child were born with fully developed intelligence, they would immediately be struck with awe and surprise upon entering this world. Suddenly, they would confront things they had never seen before and would, as a result, lose their breath and likely die at birth.
They were accustomed to living in isolation within the womb. Now, they would encounter a vastly different world: huge trees, birds, human faces, unfamiliar sounds, doors, windows, and so on. Overwhelmed by fear and alarm, they would struggle to cope with this strange environment.
Secondly, if a human child were born with fully developed intelligence, they would swiftly develop complexes and self-pity. Having witnessed their own birth and subsequent care, they would keenly recall the helpless situations of infancy: being washed, clothed, and handled by others.
Despite possessing complete understanding, they would be completely dependent, unable to fulfill their basic needs or desires themselves. This crippling dependence would foster intense self-loathing, depression, and feelings of degradation.
Thirdly, if a child were born with fully developed intelligence, they would lose their innocence, a key part of their charm. Parents are drawn to their innocent nature, sweet smiles, and playful actions, which melt hearts and foster love. However, if a child acted like an adult, they would alienate their caregivers, hindering their growth, and causing parents distress instead of joy.
Furthermore, parents who lovingly nurture their child’s innocence would soon lose patience if the child became overly demanding, constantly creating problems, shouting, or misbehaving.
Fourthly, if a human child were born with fully developed intelligence, they would lose their parents’ love and care, as well as their own regard for their parents. Although their parents would fulfill responsibilities, providing upbringing, health, and well-being, the child’s independent thinking would lead to irritation and hatred towards parental affection.
This would prompt them to seek separation, becoming lost in humanity. Upon growing up, they would no longer recognize parents, siblings, or sacred relationships.
Fifthly, if a child were born with full intelligence, they’d witness impermissible things at birth.
Allah, in His wisdom, planned a more suitable path: newborns enter with dormant capabilities and limited awareness.
Whatever they see, they perceive with underdeveloped understanding, experiencing neither fear nor surprise. As they grow, they gradually develop wisdom and abilities. Through experience, they learn to distinguish between good and bad, benefit and loss, virtue and evil, and fairness and injustice.”
This speech of Imam Ja`far al-Sadiq (a) highlights many truths that, despite being common knowledge, are rarely cited as proofs of Allah’s existence. This is because people are unaware of the hidden depths and grand planning behind Allah’s creations.
📚 Reference: Kitab Tawheed E Mufadhal, Page 10
