Hadith #5416

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

مَنْ شاوَرَ الرِّجالَ شارَكَها في عُقُولِها۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who consults with the people shares in their [combined] intellects.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (shāwara) "شاوَرَ" means to consult or seek advice from others. It implies seeking the opinions and perspectives of others before making a decision. The word (rijāl) "رِّجالَ" refers to people or individuals. And the word (ʿuqūlihā) "عُقُولِها" means intellects or minds.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel and advice from others. It highlights the idea that when we consult with others, we benefit from their collective wisdom and knowledge. By engaging in consultation, we tap into the diverse perspectives and experiences of those around us, which ultimately leads to better decision-making.

The Quran supports this concept of consultation in several verses. 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 Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) practice of consulting with his companions and seeking their opinions. It demonstrates the importance of consultation in building unity and fostering a sense of collective responsibility. By involving others in the decision-making process, the Prophet (ﷺ) ensured that everyone felt valued and included.

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

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 characteristics of the righteous believers who respond to their Lord, establish prayer, and make decisions through consultation. It emphasizes the importance of collective decision-making and the need to consider different perspectives before taking action.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to seek the counsel of others and benefit from their collective intellects. By consulting with others, we broaden our understanding, gain new insights, and avoid the pitfalls of making hasty or uninformed decisions. It also promotes inclusivity and unity within the community, as everyone's opinions are valued and taken into consideration.

Furthermore, this Hadith reminds us of the immense knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of human nature and the importance of consultation is evident in this statement. As the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his exceptional intellect and wisdom. His words serve as a guiding light for Muslims, urging them to seek advice and make informed decisions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of consultation and seeking the opinions of others. It encourages us to tap into the collective intellects of the people around us, leading to better decision-making and a stronger sense of unity within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek counsel and benefit from the diverse perspectives of our fellow believers.