Hadith #10226

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Mani staghashshan-naseeha ghashiyahu alqabeeyah.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing sincere advice. It warns against disregarding the counsel of a well-intentioned adviser and instead considering them to be deceitful. The consequences of such a mindset are described as being engulfed by evil.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word "staghashsha" comes from the root word "ghashiyah," which means to deceive or to cover up the truth. It implies that when someone considers sincere advice to be deceptive, they are essentially blinding themselves to the truth and allowing evil to envelop them.

The word "naseeha" refers to sincere advice or counsel given with the intention of benefiting the recipient. It is derived from the root word "nasaaha," which means to advise, admonish, or counsel someone for their own betterment. Naseeha is an important concept in Islam, as it promotes the well-being and spiritual growth of individuals and the community as a whole.

To further understand the significance of valuing sincere advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

The believers are but brothers, so make reconciliation between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse highlights the importance of brotherhood and unity among believers, which can be achieved through sincere advice and reconciliation. By disregarding sincere advice, one not only harms themselves but also disrupts the harmony within the community.

Another verse that sheds light on the consequences of disregarding sincere advice is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:105), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, upon you is [responsibility for] yourselves. Those who have gone astray will not harm you when you have been guided.

This verse emphasizes the individual responsibility of believers and warns against following the misguided. By rejecting sincere advice, one risks straying from the right path and becoming susceptible to harm.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the importance of recognizing the value of sincere advice. By considering the sincere adviser to be a deceiver, an individual not only undermines the wisdom and insight of the adviser but also exposes themselves to the influence of evil. This mindset hinders personal growth, damages relationships, and weakens the fabric of the community.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of seeking and valuing sincere advice. It is essential to cultivate an open mind and heart, recognizing that sincere advice is a gift that can guide us towards righteousness and protect us from the pitfalls of ignorance and arrogance. By embracing sincere advice, we can foster personal growth, strengthen our relationships, and contribute to the well-being of the Muslim community as a whole.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize and value sincere advice, and protect us from being engulfed by evil. Ameen.