Hadith #2151

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الحَزْمُ بِإجالَةِ الرَّأْيِ" which can be translated as

Judiciousness is [achieved] through weighing the opinions thoroughly.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of carefully considering and evaluating different viewpoints before making a decision or forming an opinion.

The word (hazm) "حَزْمُ" in this Hadith refers to judiciousness or prudence. It implies the ability to make wise and well-thought-out decisions based on careful consideration and evaluation. It involves weighing the pros and cons, analyzing the consequences, and taking into account various factors before arriving at a conclusion.

The phrase (bi'ijalat al-ra'i) "بِإجالَةِ الرَّأْيِ" can be translated as

through weighing the opinions thoroughly.

It highlights the importance of thoroughly examining and evaluating different viewpoints or opinions before making a decision. It encourages Muslims to be open-minded, to seek knowledge, and to consider different perspectives before forming their own judgments.

This concept of judiciousness and weighing opinions can be found in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:159),

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 others and seeking their opinions before making a decision. It shows that even the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), the best of creation, sought the counsel of his companions and valued their input. This demonstrates the significance of considering different perspectives and weighing opinions before arriving at a conclusion.

Another verse that supports the concept of weighing opinions is found in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 encourages Muslims to investigate and verify information before acting upon it. It emphasizes the importance of not hastily accepting or rejecting something without proper evaluation. By doing so, we can avoid harming others based on incomplete or false information and prevent potential regrets.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic teachings by emphasizing the need to weigh opinions thoroughly. It encourages Muslims to be thoughtful, considerate, and well-informed in their decision-making processes. It reminds us that rushing to judgment or forming opinions without careful consideration can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and negative consequences.

By practicing the principle of weighing opinions, we can foster unity, promote understanding, and make informed choices that align with the teachings of Islam. It encourages us to seek knowledge, engage in dialogue, and respect diverse perspectives within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of judiciousness and the need to weigh opinions thoroughly. It encourages Muslims to be open-minded, seek knowledge, and consider different viewpoints before making decisions. By doing so, we can uphold the values of justice, wisdom, and unity within our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice this principle in our lives and guide us to make wise and well-informed choices.