لَرُبَّما خانَ النَّصِيحُ المُؤْتَمَنُ ونَصَحَ المُسْتَخانُ۔
Sometimes the reliable advisor may betray [you] and the one who is [deemed] disloyal may give good advice.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Sincere Advice)
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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.
The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights a profound truth about human nature and the unpredictability of people's actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
Sometimes the reliable advisor may betray [you] and the one who is [deemed] disloyal may give good advice.
Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (naseeh) "نَصِيحُ" refers to sincere advice or counsel. It is derived from the root word (nasaha) "نَصَحَ", which means to be sincere, pure, and well-intentioned. The term (mu'taman) "مُؤْتَمَنُ" refers to someone who is trusted, reliable, and faithful. On the other hand, (mustakhan) "مُسْتَخانُ" refers to someone who is considered disloyal, untrustworthy, or deceitful.
To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Isra, verse 84:
And say, 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and support from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives. It serves as a reminder that even the most trusted individuals can falter, and it is ultimately Allah's guidance that we should rely upon.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 6, 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 us to be cautious and verify the information we receive, regardless of the source. It reminds us that good advice can come from unexpected places, and we should not dismiss it based on preconceived notions.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith reflects his deep understanding of human nature and the complexities of human relationships. It serves as a reminder that we should not blindly trust or dismiss individuals based on their reputation or perceived loyalty. People can change, and their actions may not always align with our expectations.
This Hadith also teaches us the importance of discernment and critical thinking. We should evaluate the advice we receive, regardless of the source, and assess its validity and relevance to our situation. It reminds us to be open-minded and receptive to different perspectives, as wisdom can be found in unexpected places.
Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to place our ultimate trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His guidance in all matters. While we may seek advice from others, we should remember that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance. He is the one who knows what is best for us and can guide us towards the right path.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of human nature and the importance of seeking guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It teaches us to be discerning, open-minded, and to place our ultimate trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) wisdom. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to make sound decisions and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.
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