Hadith #1600

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of two actions: waking up early in the morning and seeking consultation. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its essence in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Wake up early [in the morning] for there is blessing in early rising.

The word (bākirū) "باكِرُوا" means to wake up early or to rise early in the morning. This emphasizes the significance of starting our day with diligence and productivity. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to utilize the early hours of the day for worship and seeking His blessings.

The Quran supports the concept of early rising and its benefits. In Surah Al-Imran (3:113), Allah says,

They are not [all] the same; among the People of the Scripture is a community standing [in obedience], reciting the verses of Allah during periods of the night and prostrating [in prayer].

This verse highlights the distinction of a particular community who rise early to engage in the remembrance of Allah and seek His guidance.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:1-4), Allah commands the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to wake up during the night for prayer, saying,

O you who wraps himself [in clothing], arise [to pray] the night, except for a little - half of it - or subtract from it a little or add to it, and recite the Qur'an with measured recitation.

This verse exemplifies the importance of waking up early for prayer and seeking closeness to Allah.

The second part of the Hadith states,

Consult each other, for success is in consultation.

The word (shāwirū) "شاوِرُوا" means to consult or seek advice from one another. This highlights the significance of seeking guidance and considering different perspectives before making important decisions.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of consultation. In Surah Al-Imran (3:159), Allah says to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ),

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.

This verse demonstrates the Prophet's (ﷺ) practice of consulting his companions in matters of importance, showcasing the value of collective decision-making.

Furthermore, in Surah Ash-Shura (42:38), Allah states,

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 believers who consult with one another and make decisions collectively, acknowledging that success lies in consultation.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to wake up early and seek consultation because these actions lead to blessings and success. By waking up early, we can utilize the precious time in the morning to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and plan our day effectively. Early rising instills discipline, productivity, and a sense of purpose in our lives.

Similarly, seeking consultation allows us to benefit from the wisdom and insights of others. It promotes unity, cooperation, and collective decision-making within our communities. By involving others in our decision-making processes, we can avoid potential pitfalls, gain diverse perspectives, and ultimately make more informed choices.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to wake up early and seek consultation. These actions are not only beneficial for our personal growth and success but also contribute to the betterment of our communities. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to implement these principles in our lives and reap the blessings and rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the ability to wake up early and seek consultation, and may He bless us with success in this world and the Hereafter.