Hadith #5411

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ ضَلَّ مُشيرُهُ بَطَلَ تَدْبيرُهُ۔

This Hadith is a concise and thought-provoking Hadith that carries a deep meaning and wisdom. Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith and explore its exegesis in light of the Quran.

The word (dalla) "ضَلَّ" in this Hadith means to go astray or to deviate from the right path. It refers to a state of being misguided or misled. The word (mushiruhu) "مُشِيرُهُ" refers to the one who advises or guides someone. It signifies the importance of having a reliable and knowledgeable adviser in one's life. Lastly, the word (tadbiruhu) "تَدْبِيرُهُ" means planning or decision-making. It refers to the actions and strategies one takes to achieve their goals.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Furqan, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 25:27-29)

And [mention] the Day the wrongdoer will bite on his hands [in regret] he will say, 'Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way. Oh, woe to me! I wish I had not taken that one as a friend. He led me away from the remembrance after it had come to me. And ever is Satan, to man, a deserter.'

This Quranic verse highlights the consequences of following misguided advisers. It portrays the regret and remorse of those who deviated from the path of righteousness due to the influence of their companions. It emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and his purified progeny, as they are the true sources of knowledge and wisdom.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the significance of choosing the right adviser. When one's adviser goes astray, their planning and decision-making become nullified. This means that the advice and guidance received from a misguided individual can lead to incorrect strategies, flawed decisions, and ultimately failure in achieving one's goals.

To illustrate this, let us consider an example. Imagine a person seeking financial advice from someone who is known for their unethical practices. If they follow the advice of this misguided adviser, they may engage in fraudulent activities or make poor investment decisions. As a result, their financial planning will be nullified, and they may face legal consequences or financial loss.

Similarly, in matters of faith and spirituality, it is crucial to seek guidance from those who possess deep knowledge and understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny. Following the advice of scholars and religious leaders who are well-grounded in Islamic teachings ensures that our planning and decision-making align with the principles of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to be cautious in choosing their advisers. It highlights the importance of seeking guidance from knowledgeable and righteous individuals. By doing so, we can ensure that our planning and decision-making are based on sound principles and in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose the right advisers and guide us on the straight path.