Hadith #5410

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May 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,

مَنْ اِسْتَشارَ العاقِلَ مَلَكَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who consults an intelligent person acquires [his objective].

In this thought-provoking saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking advice from those who possess wisdom and intelligence.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (istashara) "اِسْتَشارَ" means to seek consultation or advice. It implies the act of seeking guidance from someone who possesses knowledge and wisdom. The word (al-'aqil) "العاقِلَ" refers to an intelligent person, someone who has the ability to analyze situations, make sound judgments, and provide wise counsel.

To understand the significance of seeking advice from an intelligent person, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:159)

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 importance of seeking consultation before making important decisions. By seeking advice from those who possess intelligence and wisdom, we can make informed choices and increase our chances of success.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Nahl, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 42:38)

And 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 emphasizes the importance of consultation in matters of collective decision-making. It encourages Muslims to come together, discuss, and seek advice from one another in order to make well-informed choices.

Now, let us reflect on the implications of this Hadith. When we seek advice from an intelligent person, we benefit from their knowledge, experience, and insights. By consulting someone who possesses wisdom, we can gain a different perspective on our situation and make better decisions. This consultation can be in various aspects of life, such as personal matters, business decisions, or even religious matters.

For example, imagine a person who is facing a difficult financial decision. They consult a financial advisor who has years of experience and expertise in the field. By seeking advice from this intelligent person, they can gain valuable insights and make a well-informed decision that aligns with their financial goals.

Similarly, in matters of religion, seeking advice from knowledgeable scholars or individuals who possess deep understanding of the Quran and Sunnah can help us navigate complex issues and make decisions that are in accordance with Islamic teachings. This consultation can lead to a deeper understanding of our faith and guide us towards the path of righteousness.

The consequences of seeking advice from an intelligent person are manifold. It not only helps us make better decisions, but it also fosters a sense of humility and openness to different perspectives. By acknowledging that we do not possess all the answers, we open ourselves up to learning from others and expanding our knowledge. This humility is a key characteristic of a true believer, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 34:6)

And those who have been given knowledge see that what is revealed to you from your Lord is the truth, and it guides to the path of the Exalted in Might, the Praiseworthy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking advice from intelligent individuals. By consulting those who possess wisdom and knowledge, we can make better decisions and increase our chances of success. This act of seeking consultation is not only encouraged in the Quran, but it also reflects the humility and openness to learning that is inherent in a true believer. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek advice from intelligent individuals and bless us with success in all our endeavors.