Hadith #5383

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

اِضْرِبُوا بَعْضَ الرَّأْيِ بِبَعْض يَتَوَلَّدْ مِنْهُ الصَّوابُ۔

This can be translated as,

Compare some opinions with others, from this the right course of action will come to light.

In this Hadith, there are a few important words that require our attention. The word (idribu) "اِضْرِبُوا" means to compare or juxtapose. It implies the act of examining different opinions side by side. The word (ar-ra'i) "الرَّأْيِ" refers to opinions or viewpoints. And the word (as-sawab) "الصَّوابُ" means the right course of action or the correct opinion.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 191:

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 emphasizes the importance of consultation and seeking different opinions before making a decision. It encourages us to consider the perspectives of others, as it leads to a more comprehensive understanding and a higher likelihood of reaching the right course of action.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa, verse 59, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.

This verse highlights the importance of referring matters of disagreement to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) for guidance. It encourages us to seek the opinions of those in authority, as they possess knowledge and wisdom that can guide us towards the right course of action.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the gate of knowledge and wisdom, advises us to compare different opinions and viewpoints. By doing so, we can weigh the merits and drawbacks of each perspective, leading us to a more informed decision. This process allows us to consider various angles and potential consequences, enabling us to choose the most appropriate course of action.

For example, imagine a group of Muslims is faced with a complex issue regarding their community. Each individual may have their own opinion on how to address the matter. By following the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), they would engage in a respectful and open discussion, sharing their viewpoints and listening to others. Through this process, they would be able to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each opinion, ultimately leading to a collective decision that is well-informed and beneficial for the community.

This Hadith also teaches us the importance of humility and recognizing that our own opinion may not always be the right one. By comparing our opinions with others, we acknowledge that there may be alternative perspectives that we have not considered. This fosters an environment of learning and growth, allowing us to expand our knowledge and understanding.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to compare different opinions and viewpoints in order to arrive at the right course of action. This aligns with the Quranic teachings of consultation and seeking guidance from those in authority. By engaging in this process, we can make more informed decisions, foster unity within our communities, and ultimately seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the wisdom to follow this guidance and bless us with the ability to discern the truth.