Hadith #5422

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,

مُشاوَرَةُ الجاهِلِ المُشْفِقِ خَطَرٌ۔

This can be translated as,

Consulting the ignorant person who is concerned for you is dangerous.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. (mushawarah) "مُشاوَرَةُ" refers to the act of seeking consultation or advice. (al-jahil) "الجاهِلِ" refers to the ignorant person, someone lacking knowledge or understanding. (al-mushfiq) "المُشْفِقِ" refers to someone who is concerned or worried for you.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6),

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of verifying information and seeking knowledge before making decisions or taking action. It warns against blindly following the advice of someone who may be ignorant or misinformed. Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra (17:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

From these verses, we can understand that seeking advice from an ignorant person can lead to harmful consequences. It is crucial to consult those who possess knowledge and understanding, as they can provide guidance based on wisdom and insight. Ignorance can cloud judgment and lead to decisions that may have negative repercussions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the dangers of consulting someone who lacks knowledge but may appear concerned for us. Such a person may have good intentions, but their lack of understanding can lead to misguided advice or decisions.

For example, imagine a person seeking financial advice from someone who has no expertise in the field. Despite their concern for the individual's well-being, their lack of knowledge may result in poor financial decisions that could have been avoided by consulting a qualified professional.

In light of this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of seeking knowledge and consulting those who are knowledgeable and wise. It is crucial to surround ourselves with individuals who possess expertise in various areas of life, as their guidance can help us make informed decisions and avoid potential dangers.

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a reminder for us to be cautious and discerning when seeking advice. We should not be swayed by the apparent concern of others if they lack the necessary knowledge and understanding. Instead, we should strive to seek guidance from those who possess both knowledge and genuine concern for our well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the dangers of consulting an ignorant person who may appear concerned for us. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and consulting those who possess wisdom and understanding. By doing so, we can make informed decisions and avoid potential harm. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge and surround ourselves with wise and knowledgeable individuals.