Hadith #11071

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) highlights the importance of recognizing the distinction between good and evil, and the significance of heeding the advice of sincere advisers. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (istahsana) "استحسن" which means "considers" or "deems as good," (al-qabih) "القبيح" which means "evil," and (an-nasih) "النصيح" which means "sincere adviser."

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between good and evil. In Surah Al-A'raf, Allah says, (7:33)

Say, 'My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.'

This verse reminds us that Allah has prohibited evil in all its forms, whether it is manifest or hidden.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (17:32)

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

Here, Allah explicitly states that engaging in unlawful sexual acts is not only immoral but also evil. This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing evil and refraining from it.

Now, let us reflect on the second part of the Hadith, which highlights the significance of heeding the advice of sincere advisers. In the Quran, Allah repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and accepting sincere advice. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (8:24)

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah intervenes between a man and his heart and that to Him you will be gathered.

This verse encourages believers to respond to the call of Allah and His Messenger, indicating the importance of accepting their sincere advice.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (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 highlights the importance of verifying information and seeking advice before taking any action. It reminds us to be cautious and not to act impulsively, as the advice of sincere advisers can prevent us from causing harm and regret.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. One who considers evil to be good and turns away from the words of sincere advisers is destined to fail. By failing to recognize evil and disregarding the advice of those who sincerely wish to guide and help, individuals may fall into the traps of wrongdoing and ignorance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, making his advice invaluable. His words serve as a beacon of guidance for Muslims, urging them to discern between good and evil and to seek the counsel of sincere advisers. By doing so, Muslims can avoid the pitfalls of ignorance and wrongdoing, and ultimately attain success in this world and the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to differentiate between good and evil and to heed the advice of sincere advisers. By recognizing evil and accepting sincere guidance, Muslims can navigate through life with wisdom and righteousness, ensuring their success in both this world and the hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to distinguish between good and evil and to always seek sincere advice.