Hadith #5390

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

المُستَشِيرُ عَلَى طَرَفِ النَّجَاحِ

which translates to

The one who seeks advice is on the side of success.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of seeking counsel and guidance in making decisions.

The word (al-mustashir) "المُستَشِيرُ" is derived from the root word (shura) "شور", which means to consult or seek advice. It emphasizes the act of seeking counsel from others who possess knowledge and experience in a particular matter. This word conveys the idea that seeking advice is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of wisdom and intelligence.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that seeking advice leads to success. This statement aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages believers to consult and seek guidance from others. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 3:159)

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 seeking consultation before making decisions, as it is a means of seeking Allah's guidance and blessings.

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

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 importance of consultation in matters of governance and decision-making, indicating that it is a characteristic of the righteous.

Seeking advice and consultation is not limited to worldly matters; it also applies to matters of faith and spirituality. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (Quran 8:46)

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient

This verse highlights the importance of seeking guidance from Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) in matters of faith and spirituality.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that seeking advice is not a sign of weakness or incompetence, but rather a sign of humility and wisdom. It acknowledges that no individual possesses all knowledge and expertise, and that seeking the input of others can lead to better decision-making and ultimately, success.

When we seek advice, we open ourselves up to different perspectives and insights, which can help us make more informed choices. It allows us to consider various possibilities and potential consequences before making a decision. By seeking advice, we demonstrate our willingness to learn from others and acknowledge that we can benefit from their experiences and wisdom.

Moreover, seeking advice fosters a sense of unity and collaboration within the Muslim community. It encourages individuals to come together, share their knowledge, and work towards common goals. It promotes a culture of consultation, where everyone's input is valued and respected.

The consequences of not seeking advice can be detrimental. Making decisions in isolation can lead to errors, regrets, and missed opportunities. It can also result in arrogance and a false sense of self-sufficiency. By seeking advice, we humble ourselves before Allah and recognize that He has blessed others with knowledge and wisdom that we can benefit from.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

The one who seeks advice is on the side of success

emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel and guidance in decision-making. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which encourage consultation and seeking advice from others. Seeking advice is a sign of wisdom, humility, and a recognition of our limitations. It allows us to make more informed choices, fosters unity within the Muslim community, and ultimately leads to success in this world and the hereafter. May Allah grant us the wisdom to seek advice and guidance in all aspects of our lives.