Hadith #10222

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises the people to accept advice from those who sincerely offer it and to receive it with obedience. He emphasizes the importance of heeding wise counsel and recognizing that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises those with attentive hearts who appreciate the value of such advice.

To further understand the significance of this hadith, let us delve into the key words and concepts mentioned. The first word of importance is (naseehah) "نَصيحَةَ", which can be translated as advice or sincere counsel. This implies that the advice being given is well-intentioned and aimed at benefiting the recipient. The second word is (at-taa'ah) "الطّاعَةِ", meaning obedience. This highlights the importance of not only accepting advice but also acting upon it in a manner that aligns with the teachings of Islam.

To support the exegesis of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

Take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking advice and guidance from those who possess understanding and wisdom. It encourages us to prioritize the fear of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness in our decision-making process.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the significance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger, which extends to accepting advice and guidance from those who convey it to us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the importance of self-struggle, or (jihadun-nafs) "جِهادُ النَّفْسِ", as the greater struggle. This concept is supported by the Quran in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:69), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse highlights the significance of striving against one's own desires and inclinations in order to attain closeness to Allah and His guidance.

Rejecting idle talk, as mentioned in the hadith, is also emphasized in the Quran. In Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the successful believers as those who

turn away from ill speech.

This encourages us to distance ourselves from idle talk and engage in meaningful conversations that bring us closer to Allah and benefit our souls.

Increasing remembrance of Allah, as advised by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), is a recurring theme in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:205),

And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech - in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.

This verse reminds us of the importance of constantly remembering Allah and seeking His guidance in our daily lives.

Lastly, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to be brothers to one another, emphasizing the unity and brotherhood that should exist among Muslims. This concept is beautifully described in the Quran in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, the believers are brothers.

This verse highlights the importance of fostering strong bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a comprehensive guide for Muslims. It emphasizes the importance of accepting sincere advice, obeying Allah and His Messenger, engaging in self-struggle, rejecting idle talk, increasing remembrance of Allah, and fostering brotherhood. By adhering to these teachings, we can attain felicity and prosperity in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement these teachings in our lives and benefit from the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).