Hadith #4251

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

صَوابُ الرَّأيِ بِالدُّوَلِ ويَذْهَبُ بِذِهابِها۔

This can be translated as,

Correct opinion [and decision] comes with [the coming of] power and it vanishes with its disappearance.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quranic teachings. The word (sawab) "صَوابُ" refers to correctness, accuracy, or soundness. It signifies the quality of a decision or opinion being based on truth and wisdom. (ra'i) "الرَّأيِ" means opinion or judgment, indicating the process of reasoning and forming a conclusion. (bid-dawla) "بِالدُّوَلِ" refers to power, authority, or governance. It signifies the presence of a just and strong system that enables the implementation of correct decisions. Lastly, (yadhabu bidhahabiha) "يَذْهَبُ بِذِهابِها" means it vanishes with its disappearance, indicating that the correctness of an opinion is contingent upon the existence of the power or authority that supports it.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:247),

Their prophet said to them, 'Indeed, Allah has sent Saul as a king over you.' They said, 'How can he have kingship over us while we are more worthy of kingship than him and he has not been given any measure of wealth?' He said, 'Indeed, Allah has chosen him over you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah gives His sovereignty to whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing [in favor] and Knowing.'

This verse highlights the importance of knowledge and wisdom in leadership. Prophet Saul (as) was chosen by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to be a king over the people, despite not having wealth or lineage. His appointment was based on his knowledge and understanding, which made him deserving of the position of authority. Similarly, in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), the correctness of an opinion is tied to the presence of power or authority. This power is not merely physical strength, but also encompasses knowledge, wisdom, and the ability to govern justly.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is [all] good. Indeed, You are over all things competent.'

This verse emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate source of power and authority. He bestows sovereignty upon whom He wills and takes it away from whom He wills. This highlights the transient nature of power and the fact that it is subject to Allah's divine decree. Therefore, the correctness of an opinion or decision is not solely dependent on the individual's knowledge or wisdom, but also on the divine support and guidance that comes with the presence of power.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that correct opinions and decisions are not static or independent of external factors. They are influenced by the presence or absence of power and authority. When power is present, it enables the implementation of correct decisions and ensures their effectiveness. Conversely, when power disappears, the correctness of opinions and decisions becomes vulnerable and may lose their impact.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for knowledge, wisdom, and the establishment of just systems of governance. It highlights the importance of seeking positions of authority for those who possess the necessary knowledge and understanding to make correct decisions. It also emphasizes the need for Muslims to support and uphold just leadership, as it is through such leadership that correct opinions can be implemented effectively for the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that correct opinions and decisions are closely tied to the presence of power and authority. It reminds us of the importance of knowledge, wisdom, and just governance in ensuring the effectiveness of our decisions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge, make sound judgments, and support just leadership for the betterment of our communities.