Hadith #5420

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

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

مَا اسْتُنْبِطَ الصَّوابُ بِمِثْلِ المُشاوَرَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

Nothing derives an appropriate outcome like consultation.

This wise utterance highlights the importance and effectiveness of seeking counsel and advice in making decisions.

The word (istanbata) "استنبط" in the Hadith means to derive or obtain. It implies the process of reaching a conclusion or finding a solution. The word (as-sawab) "الصواب" refers to what is right, appropriate, or correct. And (al-mushawarah) "المشاورة" means consultation or seeking advice from others.

The significance of consultation can be found in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 159:

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 emphasizes the importance of consultation in the decision-making process. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was instructed to consult his companions and seek their advice before making a decision. This shows that consultation is not only a means to gather different perspectives, but it is also a way to foster unity and maintain harmony within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, in Surah Ash-Shura, verse 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 highlights the characteristics of the believers who respond to their Lord, establish prayer, and make decisions through consultation. It emphasizes the importance of seeking advice and counsel from others in matters that affect the community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, understood the significance of consultation. He recognized that by involving others in the decision-making process, one can benefit from their diverse perspectives and experiences. This leads to a more comprehensive understanding of the situation and increases the chances of arriving at the most appropriate and beneficial outcome.

Consultation not only helps in making informed decisions but also promotes inclusivity and unity within the Muslim community. When individuals are given the opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to the decision-making process, they feel valued and respected. This fosters a sense of ownership and collective responsibility, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for all Muslims to seek consultation in their personal and communal affairs. It encourages us to engage in open and respectful discussions, valuing the opinions and expertise of others. By doing so, we can benefit from the collective wisdom of the ummah and ensure that our decisions are guided by the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of consultation in deriving appropriate outcomes. This concept is supported by Quranic verses that highlight the significance of seeking advice and counsel from others. By involving others in the decision-making process, we can benefit from their diverse perspectives and experiences, foster unity within the Muslim community, and ensure that our decisions are guided by the principles of justice and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and humility to seek consultation in all aspects of our lives.