Hadith #5421

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,

مُشاوَرَةُ الحازِمِ المُشْفِقِ ظَفَرٌ۔

This can be translated as,

Consulting the judicious person who is concerned for you is a [means of attaining] triumph.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The word (mushawarah) "مُشاوَرَةُ" refers to the act of seeking advice or counsel from someone. It emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from a wise and knowledgeable individual. The word (al-hazim) "الحازِمِ" refers to a person who possesses sound judgment and decisiveness. This individual is capable of making wise and well-thought-out decisions. Lastly, the word (al-mushfiq) "المُشْفِقِ" describes someone who is genuinely concerned for the well-being and success of others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Imran (3:159), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse highlights the importance of having a judicious and compassionate approach when dealing with others. It teaches us that being considerate and empathetic towards others is crucial in maintaining unity and achieving success.

Furthermore, in Surah Ash-Shura (42:38), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 significance of consultation in matters of importance. It encourages believers to seek the counsel of others and make decisions collectively. By doing so, we can benefit from the diverse perspectives and wisdom of those around us.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. Consulting a person who possesses sound judgment and is genuinely concerned for our well-being can lead us to triumph in various aspects of life. This consultation allows us to benefit from their wisdom, experience, and perspective, enabling us to make better decisions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his exceptional knowledge and wisdom. His ability to provide insightful guidance and counsel was recognized by both Shia and Sunni Muslims. By seeking advice from such a knowledgeable and compassionate individual, we can avoid pitfalls, make informed choices, and ultimately achieve success in our endeavors.

Moreover, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of humility and recognizing that we do not possess all the answers. It encourages us to seek guidance from those who are more knowledgeable and experienced than us. By doing so, we not only benefit from their wisdom but also foster a sense of unity and cooperation within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of seeking advice from a judicious person who genuinely cares for our well-being. It highlights the importance of consultation and reminds us of the wisdom and compassion of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself. By following this guidance, we can make better decisions, avoid potential pitfalls, and ultimately achieve triumph in various aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek counsel from those who can guide us towards success.