Hadith #10178

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns Muslims about the dangers of consulting with women. It emphasizes the need to be cautious in seeking their opinions and making decisions based on them. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises to restrain their gazes and keep them behind the veil, as this is better than having doubts and suspicions about them. He also advises to prevent them from getting acquainted with anyone other than their husbands.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze some important words and phrases used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (consulting) "مُشاوَرَةَ" refers to seeking advice or opinion from someone. The term (women) "النِّساءِ" specifically refers to the wives or female relatives of a person. The word (opinions) "رَأْيَهُنَّ" signifies the thoughts, ideas, or suggestions put forward by women. The term (decisions) "عَزْمَهُنَّ" refers to the firmness or determination with which women make their choices.

Now, let us delve into the Quranic verses that shed light on the wisdom behind Imam Ali's advice. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:34):

Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allah would have them guard.

This verse highlights the concept of guardianship and the responsibility that men hold over women. It emphasizes the need for women to be obedient and to guard their modesty and chastity. Imam Ali's advice aligns with this Quranic principle, as he advises men to be cautious in seeking the opinions of women, recognizing that their thoughts may be inclined towards immaturity.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs both men and women to lower their gazes in Surah An-Nur (24:30-31):

Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do. And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their headcovers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, their brothers' sons, their sisters' sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women.

These verses emphasize the importance of modesty and the need for women to cover themselves and lower their gazes. Imam Ali's advice to restrain the gazes of women aligns with this Quranic command, as it promotes the preservation of modesty and protects against potential harm.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also advises to prevent women from getting acquainted with anyone other than their husbands. This advice is rooted in the Quranic principle of safeguarding the sanctity of the marital relationship. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nur (24:27):

O you who have believed, do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and greet their inhabitants. That is best for you; perhaps you will be reminded.

This verse emphasizes the importance of respecting the privacy and sanctity of others' homes. Imam Ali's advice aligns with this Quranic principle, as he advises men to prevent women from getting acquainted with anyone other than their husbands, thus safeguarding the sanctity of their homes and protecting against potential harm.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides valuable guidance for Muslims regarding the consultation with women. It highlights the need to be cautious in seeking their opinions and making decisions based on them. The advice to restrain their gazes and prevent them from getting acquainted with others is rooted in the Quranic principles of modesty, guardianship, and the preservation of the sanctity of the marital relationship. By following this advice, Muslims can ensure the well-being and protection of their families and maintain a harmonious and righteous society.