Hadith #11039

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 phrase from the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is

مَنْ وَعَظَكَ فَلا تُوحِشْهُ۔

which translates to

Do not shun the one who admonishes you [to good].

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries a significant message for all Muslims, emphasizing the importance of accepting advice and guidance from others, even if it may be uncomfortable or challenging.

To understand the depth and wisdom of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking and accepting advice in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Imran (3:159), Allah 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 highlights the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) approach of consulting his companions and seeking their advice. It teaches us that seeking counsel from others is not a sign of weakness, but rather a means to make informed decisions and foster unity within the community. Similarly, in Surah An-Nahl (16:125), Allah instructs the Prophet (ﷺ) to invite people to the path of Islam with wisdom and beautiful preaching, indicating the importance of accepting advice and guidance in a respectful and dignified manner.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith encourages Muslims to embrace the wisdom and guidance offered by those who admonish them to good. It reminds us that when someone advises us or corrects our behavior, we should not push them away or isolate them. Instead, we should welcome their counsel and reflect upon it with an open heart and mind.

By doing so, we can benefit from the knowledge and experience of others, rectify our mistakes, and grow spiritually. The act of accepting advice humbly and graciously not only demonstrates our willingness to learn and improve, but it also strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. He was a role model in seeking and accepting advice from others, regardless of their social status or age. His humility and receptiveness to guidance allowed him to become one of the greatest scholars and leaders in Islamic history.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to embrace the guidance and admonishment offered by others. It encourages us to set aside our egos and be open to constructive criticism and advice. By doing so, we can rectify our shortcomings, strengthen our faith, and foster a sense of unity and brotherhood within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and humility to accept advice and guidance from others, and may He bless us with the ability to grow and improve in our journey towards Him.