Hadith #4255

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

قَدْ يَزِلُّ الرَّأيُ الفَذُّ۔

This can be translated into English as,

Indeed the lone opinion [without any consultation] may be erroneous.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (ra'i) "رَأْي" in this Hadith refers to an individual's personal opinion or judgment. It highlights the importance of seeking consultation and not relying solely on one's own perspective. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that a solitary opinion, without the input and guidance of others, can lead to errors and mistakes.

This concept of seeking consultation is beautifully emphasized in the Quran. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:159)

And consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands the believers to consult with one another before making important decisions. This consultation not only allows for diverse perspectives and ideas to be considered but also ensures that decisions are made collectively, with the guidance and blessings of Allah.

Furthermore, the importance of seeking consultation is emphasized in Surah Ash-Shura, where 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 that consultation is a characteristic of those who have submitted to Allah and established a strong connection with Him. It is through consultation that decisions are made collectively, taking into account the opinions and expertise of others, and ultimately leading to better outcomes.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek consultation in their personal and communal affairs. It encourages us to value the wisdom and insights of others, recognizing that our individual opinions may be limited and prone to error.

By seeking consultation, we not only benefit from the collective wisdom of the community but also foster unity, cooperation, and mutual respect. It allows us to overcome our biases and blind spots, leading to more informed and balanced decisions.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the humility and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). As the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali possessed immense knowledge and understanding. However, he still emphasized the importance of seeking consultation, acknowledging that even the most knowledgeable individuals can benefit from the perspectives of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of seeking consultation in our decision-making processes. It urges us to recognize the limitations of our individual opinions and embrace the collective wisdom of the community. By doing so, we can avoid errors and mistakes, foster unity, and ultimately seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to make sound and well-informed decisions, and may He bless us with the ability to seek consultation in all aspects of our lives.