Hadith #5408

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "كَفى بِالمُشاوَرَةِ ظَهيراً۔" This can be translated as,

Consultation suffices as a supporter.

In this thought-provoking saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance and effectiveness of seeking advice and counsel in decision-making.

The word (mushawarah) "مُشاوَرَةِ" comes from the root word (shawara) "شَاوَرَ", which means to consult or seek advice. It implies the act of deliberating with others, seeking their opinions, and considering their perspectives before making a decision. This word highlights the significance of involving others in the decision-making process rather than relying solely on one's own judgment.

The phrase (kafaa bi) "كَفى بِ" can be translated as "suffices" or "is enough." It signifies that consultation alone is sufficient to serve as a supporter or a means of assistance in making sound decisions. This indicates that seeking advice and considering different viewpoints can lead to better outcomes and prevent potential mistakes or oversights.

The importance of consultation is emphasized in the Quran as well. 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 Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) practice of consulting his companions and seeking their opinions before making decisions.

Furthermore, in Surah Ash-Shura (42:38), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 emphasizes the importance of consultation among believers and highlights it as a characteristic of those who have submitted to Allah's commandments.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement encourages Muslims to seek advice and involve others in decision-making processes. By doing so, we can benefit from the diverse perspectives and experiences of others, leading to more informed and balanced decisions. This practice also fosters unity, cooperation, and mutual respect within the Muslim community.

Consultation not only helps in making better decisions but also strengthens relationships and builds trust among individuals. When we consult others, we show that we value their opinions and respect their expertise. This, in turn, encourages them to actively participate and contribute to the decision-making process.

Moreover, consultation can prevent the negative consequences of hasty or uninformed decisions. By seeking advice, we can gain insights that we may have overlooked and consider potential risks or alternatives. This thoughtful approach can save us from making mistakes and facing unnecessary challenges.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of consultation in decision-making. It emphasizes that seeking advice from others is sufficient to serve as a supporter in making sound and well-informed choices. This teaching aligns with the Quranic emphasis on consultation and provides guidance for Muslims to involve others, benefit from their perspectives, and make better decisions collectively. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek advice and consult others in our affairs, and may He bless us with unity and success as a result.