Hadith #10237

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.

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

مَنِ اسْتَغَشَّ النَّصِيحَ اِسْتَحْسَنَ القَبِيحَ۔

This Hadith carries a wise message about the importance of recognizing and valuing sincere advice. Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (istaghasha) "اِسْتَغَشَّ" comes from the root word (ghashasha) "غَشَشَ", which means to deceive or to consider someone as deceitful. In this context, it refers to the act of deeming the sincere adviser as a deceiver. The word (istahsana) "اِسْتَحْسَنَ" is derived from the root word (hasana) "حَسَنَ", which means to consider something as good or beautiful. Here, it signifies considering evil as good.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of sincere advice in Surah Al-Asr, where He says, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This ayah highlights the significance of sincere advice in guiding individuals towards truth and righteousness. It reminds us that true success lies in believing in Allah, performing righteous deeds, and advising one another towards truth and patience. Therefore, deeming sincere advice as deceitful is a grave mistake that leads to spiritual loss.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us that evil should never be considered as good. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against following our desires and considering what is forbidden as permissible. He says, (Quran 24:21)

O you who have believed, do not follow the footsteps of Satan. And whoever follows the footsteps of Satan - indeed, he enjoins immorality and wrongdoing. And if not for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy, not one of you would have been pure, ever, but Allah purifies whom He wills, and Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

This ayah emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between good and evil, and not falling into the trap of considering evil actions as good. It reminds us that Allah's mercy and guidance are essential in purifying our hearts and guiding us towards what is righteous.

In light of these Quranic teachings, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It warns us against the grave mistake of disregarding sincere advice and considering evil as good. By doing so, we not only deceive ourselves but also distance ourselves from the path of righteousness and guidance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his exceptional knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of sincere advice. He reminds us that those who dismiss sincere advisers as deceivers are essentially blinding themselves to the truth and embracing falsehood.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see its practical implications in our daily lives. It urges us to be open to sincere advice from others, to carefully evaluate our actions and intentions, and to seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to value and appreciate sincere advice. It warns against the grave mistake of considering evil as good and highlights the importance of distinguishing between right and wrong. By heeding this advice, we can strive towards spiritual growth, righteousness, and guidance. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize and embrace sincere advice, and protect us from falling into the trap of considering evil as good.