Hadith #5387

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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, "المُشاورَةُ اِستِظهارٌ". This can be translated as

Consultation is [a means of] seeking [assistance and] support.

In this wise utterance, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance and benefits of consultation in seeking assistance and support.

The word (al-mushawarah) "المُشاورَةُ" refers to the act of seeking advice or counsel from others. It implies a process of deliberation and discussion with individuals who possess knowledge and experience in a particular matter. This consultation is not limited to seeking advice from a single person, but rather involves engaging with a group of individuals to gather different perspectives and insights.

The word (istizhar) "اِسْتِظْهارٌ" can be understood as seeking assistance and support. It signifies the act of relying on others for guidance and help in making decisions or solving problems. It emphasizes the importance of seeking the input and expertise of others, recognizing that collective wisdom and diverse viewpoints can lead to better outcomes.

The Quranic teachings emphasize the significance of consultation and seeking advice in various contexts. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:159),

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 highlights the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) approach of consulting his companions in matters of importance. It demonstrates the importance of seeking the opinions and perspectives of others, even for a Prophet who received direct revelation from Allah. The Prophet (ﷺ) sought consultation to ensure inclusivity, unity, and to make the best decisions for the community.

Another verse that supports the concept of consultation is found in Surah Ash-Shura (42:38), where 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 righteous believers who establish prayer and make decisions through consultation. It emphasizes the importance of collective decision-making and the utilization of diverse perspectives and expertise in the community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement regarding consultation being a means of seeking assistance and support aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. It emphasizes the importance of involving others in decision-making processes and recognizing the value of diverse opinions and expertise.

Consultation allows for the pooling of knowledge, experiences, and insights, leading to more informed and well-rounded decisions. It fosters unity, inclusivity, and a sense of ownership among the members of a community. By seeking advice and support from others, individuals can benefit from the collective wisdom and avoid potential pitfalls or biases that may arise from relying solely on their own understanding.

Furthermore, consultation promotes transparency, accountability, and mutual respect among individuals. It creates an environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued, fostering a sense of empowerment and participation. It also helps in building trust and strengthening relationships within a community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of consultation as a means of seeking assistance and support. This concept is supported by Quranic teachings that highlight the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) practice of consulting his companions and the virtues of collective decision-making. By engaging in consultation, Muslims can benefit from the diverse perspectives and expertise of others, leading to more informed and inclusive decision-making processes. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to seek consultation in our personal and communal affairs and grant us the wisdom to make the best decisions for the betterment of our Ummah.