Hadith #8526

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,

طُولُ التَّفْكيرِ يَعْدِلُ رَأْيَ المُشيرِ۔

This can be translated as,

Lengthy consideration equals [benefitting from] the opinion of the advisor.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. "طُولُ التَّفْكيرِ" refers to "lengthy consideration" or deep contemplation. "يَعْدِلُ" means "equals" or "is equivalent to." "رَأْيَ" signifies "opinion" or "view." And "المُشيرِ" refers to "the advisor" or

the one who gives counsel.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of reflection and contemplation in the Quran. In Surah Al-Hashr, verse 21, Allah says, (59:21)

If We had sent down this Quran upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah. And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will give thought.

This verse highlights the power of reflection and deep contemplation. Just as a mountain would crumble under the weight of the Quran, our hearts and minds can be transformed through deep thought and contemplation. By pondering over the verses of the Quran, we can gain profound insights and guidance.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 45, Allah says, (29:45)

Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of reciting and reflecting upon the Quran. By engaging in the recitation of the Quran and contemplating its teachings, we can attain spiritual purification and protection from sin. The remembrance of Allah through the Quranic verses is a powerful tool for self-reflection and guidance.

Now, let us connect these Quranic teachings with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the significance of deep contemplation in decision-making. Lengthy consideration, as mentioned in the Hadith, is equivalent to benefiting from the opinion of the advisor.

When we engage in deep thought and contemplation, we are able to weigh the pros and cons of a situation, analyze different perspectives, and make informed decisions. This process of reflection allows us to tap into our inner wisdom and seek guidance from Allah's teachings in the Quran. It enables us to make decisions that are aligned with the principles of Islam and beneficial for ourselves and others.

Furthermore, the Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking advice and counsel from others. Just as an advisor provides valuable insights and perspectives, consulting with knowledgeable individuals can help us gain a broader understanding of a situation. By seeking advice, we can benefit from the wisdom and experiences of others, enabling us to make more informed decisions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of deep contemplation and seeking counsel in decision-making. By engaging in lengthy consideration and reflecting upon the teachings of the Quran, we can attain profound insights and guidance. This process allows us to make informed decisions that are aligned with the principles of Islam and beneficial for ourselves and others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to engage in deep contemplation and seek guidance from His divine words.