Hadith #5432

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا يَسْتَغْنِي العاقِلُ عَنِ المُشاوَرَةِ

which translates to

The intelligent one never dispenses with consultation.

This beautiful saying emphasizes the importance of seeking advice and guidance from others, even for someone who possesses wisdom and intelligence.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word "عاقِلُ" refers to an intelligent or wise person, one who possesses sound judgment and understanding. "المُشاوَرَةِ" refers to consultation, seeking the opinion and advice of others before making a decision. It implies humility and recognizing that no matter how knowledgeable or wise one may be, the input and perspectives of others can be invaluable in making the best choices.

This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of consultation. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 42:38)

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 correlation between responding to Allah, establishing prayer, and seeking consultation. It emphasizes that consultation is an integral part of the decision-making process for believers.

Furthermore, in Surah Ash-Shura, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 42:38)

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 emphasizes the importance of consultation in the context of resolving disputes and making decisions collectively.

The exegesis of this Hadith highlights the following points. Firstly, it emphasizes the significance of seeking advice and considering different perspectives before making decisions. This is particularly important for individuals who possess intelligence and wisdom, as they may be more inclined to rely solely on their own judgment. However, this Hadith reminds us that even the most intelligent individuals can benefit from the insights and experiences of others.

Secondly, this Hadith encourages humility and recognizing the limitations of one's own knowledge. It reminds us that seeking consultation is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and wisdom. By seeking the advice of others, we acknowledge that we do not have all the answers and that collective wisdom can lead to better outcomes.

Thirdly, this Hadith promotes unity and cooperation within the Muslim community. When individuals come together to consult and make decisions collectively, it fosters a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. It strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, as everyone's input is valued and respected.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of seeking consultation and advice, even for those who possess intelligence and wisdom. It aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of consultation in decision-making and conflict resolution. By practicing consultation, we can benefit from the collective wisdom of the Muslim community, foster unity, and make more informed and balanced decisions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek consultation and make decisions that are pleasing to Him.