Hadith #5409

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,

مَنْ خالَفَ المَشْوَرَةَ اِرْتَبَكَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who acts against [good] advice gets perplexed.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

The word "مَشْوَرَةَ" in the Hadith refers to advice or consultation. It emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and counsel from others before making decisions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, highlights the significance of taking advice into consideration.

This concept of seeking counsel is also emphasized in the Quran. 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 highlights the importance of consultation in decision-making. It demonstrates the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) practice of seeking advice from his companions and involving them in important matters. By doing so, he fostered a sense of unity and cooperation among the Muslims.

Furthermore, in Surah Ash-Shura (42:38), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And 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 emphasizes the significance of consultation in the affairs of the believers. It highlights the importance of collective decision-making and seeking the opinions of others. By doing so, Muslims can benefit from the diverse perspectives and wisdom of the community.

Now, let us reflect on the thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith. When someone acts against good advice or disregards the importance of consultation, they become perplexed. This perplexity arises from the consequences of their actions, which may lead to unfavorable outcomes or confusion.

By neglecting advice, individuals may miss out on valuable insights and perspectives that could have guided them towards a better decision. They may also face the burden of bearing the consequences of their actions alone, without the support and collective wisdom of others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), through this Hadith, encourages Muslims to embrace the practice of seeking advice and consultation. By doing so, we can tap into the collective wisdom of our community and make more informed decisions. This not only benefits us individually but also strengthens the bonds of unity and cooperation among Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking advice and consultation in our lives. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of collective decision-making and seeking the opinions of others. By embracing this practice, we can avoid perplexity and make more informed choices that are in line with the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to seek advice and consult others in all aspects of our lives.