Hadith #5423

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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, "نِعْمَ المُظاهَرَةُ المُشاوَرَةُ۔" This can be translated as,

How good a support consultation is!

In this exegesis, we will delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (muzahara) "مُظاهَرَةُ" refers to the act of seeking advice or consultation. It signifies the importance of seeking guidance from others and considering their opinions before making decisions. The word (mushawara) "مُشاوَرَةُ" means consultation itself, emphasizing the process of deliberation and mutual exchange of ideas.

The Quran encourages consultation in various verses, highlighting its significance in decision-making. 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. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them 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 demonstrates the importance of consultation by highlighting the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) practice of seeking the opinions of his companions. It also emphasizes the need for kindness and forgiveness in the process of consultation. By involving others in decision-making, unity is fostered, and the collective wisdom of the community is utilized.

Another verse that supports the concept of consultation is found in Surah Ash-Shura (42:38), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [they are] 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 highlights that consultation is not only limited to matters of governance or leadership but should also be practiced in all aspects of life. It emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel from others and making decisions collectively, rather than relying solely on one's own judgment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

How good a support consultation is!

reflects his deep understanding of the Quranic teachings and his recognition of the benefits of seeking advice from others. It serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of involving others in decision-making processes, whether it be in personal matters, community affairs, or matters of governance.

Consultation not only allows for diverse perspectives to be considered, but it also fosters unity, strengthens relationships, and promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility within the community. By seeking counsel, individuals can benefit from the knowledge and experience of others, leading to more informed and effective decision-making.

Moreover, consultation aligns with the Islamic principle of shura, which emphasizes the importance of collective decision-making and the involvement of the community in matters that affect them. It is a manifestation of the democratic spirit within Islam, where the voice of the people is valued and respected.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

How good a support consultation is!

highlights the significance of seeking advice and considering the opinions of others. It is in line with the Quranic teachings that encourage consultation and emphasize its benefits in decision-making processes. As Muslims, we should strive to incorporate consultation into our lives, recognizing its role in fostering unity, wisdom, and collective responsibility within our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to make wise decisions and seek counsel from those around us.