Hadith #10228

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ خالَفَ النُّصْحَ هَلَكَ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever opposes [good] advice, perishes.

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of accepting and following sincere advice.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (khalafa) "خالَفَ" means to oppose, contradict, or go against. It implies a deliberate act of resistance or defiance. The term (nusha) "النُّصْحَ" refers to sincere advice, counsel, or guidance given with good intentions and for the betterment of the recipient. It is important to note that this advice is rooted in righteousness and seeks to promote goodness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of accepting and following good advice. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:20), Allah says,

O you who have believed, obey Allah and His Messenger and do not turn from him while you hear [his order].

This verse highlights the obligation of Muslims to obey the Prophet (ﷺ) and not to oppose his guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah says,

And say: My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Allah and His chosen representatives, such as the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that opposing good advice leads to destruction and ruin. When we reject sincere counsel, we close ourselves off from the wisdom and guidance that can protect us from harm. It is essential for Muslims to be open to advice and to consider it with humility and sincerity.

By accepting and following good advice, we can avoid pitfalls and make better decisions in our personal and communal lives. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek guidance from those who possess knowledge and experience, and to be receptive to their counsel. It also highlights the importance of humility and the willingness to learn from others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of accepting and following good advice. By opposing sincere counsel, we risk perishing in our ignorance and arrogance. As Muslims, we should strive to be open-minded and receptive to guidance, seeking wisdom from those who possess knowledge and experience. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to accept and act upon good advice, and protect us from the perils of opposing it.