Hadith #5406

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May 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 exerting effort and using one's intellect in providing advice or opinions when consulted. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

It is the duty of the one who is consulted to strive in giving an [appropriate] opinion.

This highlights the responsibility of the person being consulted to put in their best effort and utilize their knowledge and wisdom to provide a well-thought-out response.

The word (ijtihad) "اِجْتِهَادُ" in the Hadith refers to the act of exerting effort, striving, or making a sincere endeavor. It implies using one's intellectual abilities to arrive at a conclusion or opinion. This word is derived from the root word (jahada) "جَهَدَ", which means to strive or struggle. In the context of this Hadith, it signifies the intellectual effort and diligence required in providing advice or opinions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states,

but it is not for him to guarantee success.

This part of the Hadith reminds us that although we should strive to provide the best advice or opinion, we cannot guarantee the outcome or success of our suggestions. It highlights the recognition of human limitations and the understanding that ultimate success lies in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of using one's intellect and seeking knowledge. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:22),

Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason.

This verse emphasizes the importance of using reason and intellect in making decisions and providing advice.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good.

This verse highlights the significance of wisdom and knowledge, which are essential in providing well-informed opinions and advice.

The exegesis of this Hadith highlights the importance of striving and using one's intellect in providing advice or opinions. It encourages individuals to exert effort and make a sincere endeavor to arrive at well-thought-out conclusions. However, it also reminds us of our limitations as humans and the fact that success ultimately lies in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that while we should strive to provide the best advice, we should also place our trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and recognize that He is the ultimate source of success.