Hadith #10235

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مَنِ اسْتَنْصَحَكَ فَلا تَغُشَّهُ۔

This can be translated as:

Do not deceive the one who seeks advice from you.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity when someone seeks guidance or counsel from us.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (istanshaka) "استنصحك" is derived from the root word (nasaha) "نَصَحَ", which means to advise or counsel sincerely and honestly. It implies seeking sincere advice from someone who is knowledgeable and trustworthy.

The word (taghushshahu) "تَغُشَّهُ" is derived from the root word (ghasha) "غَشَّ", which means to deceive, cheat, or betray. It refers to the act of misleading or tricking someone, especially when they are seeking guidance or advice.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 seeking advice and consultation from others. It shows that even the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), the best of creation, sought the counsel of his companions. By doing so, he demonstrated humility and acknowledged the wisdom and insights of others. This serves as a reminder to Muslims that seeking advice is not a sign of weakness, but rather a means of acquiring knowledge and making informed decisions.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8):

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse reminds Muslims to be just and truthful in all their dealings. It cautions against deceiving or betraying others, especially when they seek advice or guidance. Deception not only goes against the principles of justice but also undermines trust and damages relationships.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can see the profound wisdom behind his words. When someone seeks advice from us, it is a sign of trust and reliance on our knowledge and judgment. By deceiving or misleading them, we not only betray their trust but also hinder their ability to make informed decisions.

Moreover, deceiving someone who seeks advice can have far-reaching consequences. It can lead to misunderstandings, broken relationships, and even harm to individuals or communities. On the other hand, providing sincere and honest advice fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and promotes the well-being of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasis on not deceiving those who seek advice from us serves as a reminder to Muslims to uphold the values of honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness. It encourages us to be sincere in our interactions and to prioritize the well-being of others over personal gain or self-interest.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of honesty and integrity when someone seeks advice from us. It reminds us to be sincere in our counsel and to avoid deceiving or misleading others. By upholding these principles, we can foster trust, strengthen relationships, and contribute to the well-being of our fellow Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to always speak the truth and provide sincere advice to those who seek it.