Hadith #6352

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,

الظن الصواب أحد الرأيين

which translates to

Correct conjecture is one for the two [possible] views.

In this amazing Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of making informed decisions and considering multiple perspectives before arriving at a conclusion.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (zann) "ظن" refers to conjecture or assumption. It implies forming an opinion or belief based on available information. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that this conjecture should be (as-sawab) "الصواب", meaning correct or accurate. It implies that our assumptions should be based on sound reasoning, knowledge, and evidence.

The phrase (ahad al-ra'ayayn) "أحد الرأيين" translates to

one for the two views.

This phrase signifies that when faced with a decision or dilemma, there are often multiple valid perspectives or opinions. It encourages us to consider different viewpoints and weigh the pros and cons before making a judgment.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6),

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information before forming judgments or taking action. It aligns with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, as it encourages us to exercise caution and consider different perspectives before making decisions.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:269), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and knowledge in order to make informed decisions. It reminds us that true understanding comes to those who possess wisdom and knowledge, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasized the need for correct conjecture.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement encourages us to adopt a balanced approach in our decision-making process. It urges us to consider different perspectives, gather relevant information, and critically analyze the available options. By doing so, we can make informed choices that align with the teachings of Islam and lead to positive outcomes.

This Hadith also reminds us of the importance of humility and open-mindedness. It encourages us to acknowledge that our understanding may be limited and that there may be alternative viewpoints that we have not considered. By being open to different opinions and seeking knowledge, we can broaden our understanding and make more informed decisions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of making correct conjecture based on sound reasoning and evidence. It emphasizes the need to consider multiple perspectives and weigh the available options before arriving at a conclusion. By following this guidance, we can make informed decisions that are aligned with the teachings of Islam and lead to positive outcomes. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to make the best choices in our lives.