Hadith #5389

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

المُستَشِيرُ مُتَحَصِّنٌ مِنَ السَّقَطِ

which translates to

The one who seeks advice is protected from failure.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel and guidance in making decisions.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The term "المُستَشِيرُ" refers to the one who seeks advice or consultation. This individual recognizes the value of seeking guidance from others and does not rely solely on their own understanding. By seeking advice, they display humility and acknowledge that others may possess wisdom and insights that they may have overlooked. The word "مُتَحَصِّنٌ" conveys the idea of being protected or safeguarded. It implies that seeking advice acts as a shield against failure, preventing one from making hasty or ill-informed decisions that may lead to undesirable outcomes. Finally, the term "السَّقَطِ" refers to failure or falling into error.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and consulting others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:159),

So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

This verse highlights the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) practice of consulting his companions and seeking their advice before making important decisions. It also emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah after seeking counsel.

Another verse that supports the concept of seeking advice is found in Surah Ash-Shura (42:38), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [they are] those who have responded to their Lord and established prayer and whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves, and from what We have provided them, they spend.

This verse highlights the importance of consultation in the affairs of the believers. It encourages Muslims to come together, discuss matters, and make decisions collectively, rather than relying solely on individual opinions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) underscores the significance of seeking advice and consulting others before making decisions. It serves as a reminder that seeking counsel is not a sign of weakness but rather a means of protection from failure. When we seek advice, we open ourselves up to different perspectives and insights, which can help us make more informed choices. By involving others in our decision-making process, we reduce the likelihood of making mistakes or falling into error.

Moreover, seeking advice aligns with the qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was renowned for his deep knowledge and wisdom. He was known as the "Gate of Knowledge" due to his exceptional understanding of Islam and his ability to provide insightful guidance to the Muslim community. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) own practice of seeking advice from others, even though he possessed immense knowledge, serves as a powerful example for all Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of seeking advice and consulting others before making decisions. By doing so, we protect ourselves from failure and increase the likelihood of making sound choices. This Hadith is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of consultation and seeking guidance from others. As Muslims, we should strive to embody this practice in our lives, recognizing that seeking advice is not a sign of weakness but rather a means of attaining success and protection from error. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek counsel and make decisions that are pleasing to Him.