Hadith #5080

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights two major pitfalls that can lead to great evil. The first is the act of disparaging or disregarding the sincere advice of a compassionate and well-intentioned adviser. The second is being deceived by the flattery and praise of someone who has malicious intentions.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (istikhfaf) "اِسْتِخْفافِ" refers to belittling or disparaging, while (moolim) "مُولِمِ" means painful or distressing. (izhah) "عِظَةِ" refers to advice or counsel, and (al-mushfiq al-nasih) "المُشْفِقِ النَّاصِحِ" refers to the compassionate and sincere adviser. On the other hand, (ightirar) "اِغْتِرارِ" means being deceived or deluded, and (halawat) "حَلاوَةِ" refers to the sweetness or allure. (thana) "ثَناءِ" means praise, and (al-madhih al-kashih) "الْمادِحِ الْكاشِحِ" refers to the malicious praiser.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking and accepting sincere advice. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:170)

And when it is said to them, 'Follow what Allah has revealed,' they say, 'Rather, we will follow that which we found our fathers doing.' Even though their fathers understood nothing, nor were they guided?

This verse highlights the danger of disregarding sincere advice and blindly following the traditions of our forefathers without understanding their wisdom or relevance.

Furthermore, the Quran encourages believers to surround themselves with righteous and sincere advisers. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah narrates the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and Khidr (peace be upon them both). Khidr advises Musa to be patient and not question his actions without understanding the wisdom behind them. This story teaches us the importance of seeking advice from those who are more knowledgeable and wise, even if their actions may seem strange or difficult to comprehend.

On the other hand, the Quran also warns against being deceived by flattery and false praise. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 8:27-28)

O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence]. And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward

This verse reminds us that flattery and false praise can lead us astray and cause us to betray our trust in Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the greatest evil that lies in these two actions. Disregarding the sincere advice of a compassionate adviser can lead to missed opportunities for growth and improvement. It can prevent us from rectifying our mistakes and making positive changes in our lives. Similarly, being deceived by the flattery of a malicious praiser can lead to arrogance, complacency, and a false sense of superiority.

The consequences of falling into these traps are far-reaching. Disregarding sincere advice can result in missed opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. It can also lead to strained relationships and a lack of trust among individuals. On the other hand, being deceived by false praise can lead to arrogance, complacency, and a false sense of superiority. It can blind us to our own faults and prevent us from seeking self-improvement.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of seeking sincere advice and being cautious of flattery. We should surround ourselves with righteous and knowledgeable individuals who genuinely care for our well-being and are not afraid to offer us constructive criticism. At the same time, we should be wary of those who shower us with excessive praise and flattery, as their intentions may not be pure.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to value sincere advice and to be cautious of flattery. By heeding the advice of the compassionate and sincere, and by remaining vigilant against the allure of false praise, we can protect ourselves from falling into the greatest evil. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to always seek and accept sincere advice, and protect us from the deception of flattery.