The Quran mentions several special groups of people. If you’re among a special group, you’re worthy of a special award, a special mercy bestowed by Allah. One of these groups of people is what the Quran terms as “Ulul Albab” or the People of Intellect.
Who are the Ulul Albab?
Allah has given each one of us a brain, and let us use it in any way we want. Ulul Albab are the people who not only have a brain, but are gifted in knowing how to put it to its correct use.
They don’t need to have the signs of Quran drilled into them by constant repetition. All they need is to look at the sky– and they can read in its vastness, its seamless beauty, the presence of One God who is Merciful, the Best Creator, the one who is Beautiful and loves beauty, the Subtle.
Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for Ulul Albab. (3:190)
The Qualities of Ulul Albab
1- The verses of Allah, whether natural (the sky, trees, mountains, flowers) or revealed (the Torah, the Injeel, and the Quran) penetrate into their hearts very easily:
[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded. (38:29)
And as a result, they automatically develop the love for natural beauty, and for the beauty of Revelation.
2- They remember God at all times, and are aware of His constant presence in their lives.
…Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides… (3:191)
3- They pray to God. The Quran specifically mentions the following duas:
Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire. Our Lord, indeed whoever You admit to the Fire – You have disgraced him, and for the wrongdoers there are no helpers. Our Lord, indeed we have heard a caller calling to faith, [saying], ‘Believe in your Lord,’ and we have believed. Our Lord, so forgive us our sins and remove from us our misdeeds and cause us to die with the righteous. Our Lord, and grant us what You promised us through Your messengers and do not disgrace us on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, You do not fail in [Your] promise. (3:191-194)
Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower. Our Lord, surely You will gather the people for a Day about which there is no doubt. Indeed, Allah does not fail in His promise. (3:8-9)
4- They are wise.
He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding. (2:269)
5- They fulfill their obligations to Allah in an excellent manner
Those who fulfill the covenant of Allah and do not break the contract, And those who join that which Allah has ordered to be joined … and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided for them secretly and publicly (13:20-22)
6- They are extremely afraid of the Hellfire
7- They remain patient in difficult situations in order to make Allah pleased with them.
And those who are patient, seeking the countenance of their Lord… (13:22)
8- They don’t nurture the attitude of retaliation. Rather they forgive others and reciprocate evil with good.
… and prevent evil with good… (13:22)
The Reward of the Ulul Albab
The special award of these people is nothing less than Jannah, where they will live eternally with the righteous ones from their family– their parents, spouses, and children. And when they will be entering into their eternal homes, the gatekeeper angels will say to them:
Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home. (13: 24)
Source: Understand Quran.