Hadith #5415

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who consults the people of intellect and wisdom attains success and rightness.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking advice and guidance from those who possess knowledge and wisdom.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (shaawara) "شاوَرَ" means to consult or seek advice. It implies actively seeking the counsel of others and considering their opinions before making a decision. (thawi) "ذَوِي" refers to those who possess or are endowed with, while (al-nuha) "النُّهى" refers to intellect or understanding. Similarly, (al-albab) "الألْبابِ" refers to wisdom or insight.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of seeking advice and guidance from those who possess knowledge and wisdom. In Surah Al-Imran (3:159), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 importance of consulting and seeking the advice of others before making decisions.

Another verse that supports the concept of seeking advice is found in Surah Al-Shura (42:38), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [they are] 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 and mutual decision-making among believers.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to seek advice and guidance from those who possess intellect and wisdom. By doing so, one can attain success and rightness in their decisions and actions. Consulting knowledgeable individuals allows us to benefit from their insights, experiences, and perspectives. It helps us to broaden our understanding and make well-informed choices.

For example, when faced with a complex issue, seeking advice from experts in the relevant field can provide valuable insights and help us make better decisions. Similarly, seeking guidance from wise and experienced individuals in matters of faith and spirituality can deepen our understanding and strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, consulting others fosters a sense of unity and cooperation within the Muslim community. It encourages mutual respect, collaboration, and the sharing of knowledge and wisdom. By seeking advice from others, we acknowledge that we do not possess all the answers and that collective wisdom can lead to better outcomes.

Conversely, neglecting to seek advice and relying solely on our own limited understanding can lead to mistakes, misunderstandings, and misguided actions. It is through consultation and seeking the counsel of those who possess intellect and wisdom that we can attain success and rightness in our decisions and actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking advice and guidance from those who possess knowledge and wisdom. By doing so, we can benefit from their insights, broaden our understanding, and make well-informed decisions. This practice fosters unity, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to seek advice and guidance from those who possess intellect and wisdom, and may He grant us success and rightness in all our endeavors.