Hadith #5381

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a profound statement that emphasizes the importance of seeking advice even from one's enemies. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its key words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The word (istashir) "اِسْتَشِرْ" in the Hadith means to seek consultation or advice. This word is derived from the root (shawra) "شَوْرَ", which signifies the act of seeking counsel from others. Seeking advice is a praiseworthy trait in Islam, as it allows one to benefit from the wisdom and experience of others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages consultation in the Quran, stating in Surah Al-Imran (3:159):

And consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

The word (a'da'ak) "أعْداءَكَ" in the Hadith refers to one's enemies. Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to consult our enemies. This may seem counterintuitive, as we typically seek advice from those who are close to us or share our values. However, by consulting our enemies, we gain insight into their perspective, their level of enmity towards us, and their objectives. This knowledge can be invaluable in understanding their motivations and formulating appropriate strategies.

The phrase (miqdar a'dawatihim) "مِقْدارَ عَداوَتِهِمْ" in the Hadith refers to the extent of their enmity. By seeking advice from our enemies, we can gauge the intensity of their hostility towards us. This understanding enables us to be cautious and prepared, taking necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our interests. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:208):

O you who have believed, enter into peace completely and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

The phrase (mawadi'a maqasidihim) "مَواضِعَ مَقاصِدِهِمْ" in the Hadith refers to their objectives or intentions. By seeking advice from our enemies, we gain insight into their goals and aspirations. This knowledge allows us to anticipate their actions and respond effectively. It helps us to avoid falling into their traps and to protect our own interests. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Anfal (8:30):

And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith teaches us the importance of being aware of our enemies' intentions and actions. By seeking their counsel, we gain valuable insights that can help us navigate through challenging situations. It does not mean that we blindly follow their advice, but rather, we use it as a means to gather information and make informed decisions.

This Hadith also highlights the wisdom and knowledge of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of human nature and strategic thinking is evident in his advice. As a scholar and a leader, Imam Ali possessed immense knowledge and insight, which he shared for the benefit of the Muslim ummah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of seeking advice, even from our enemies. By doing so, we gain valuable insights into their enmity and objectives. This knowledge enables us to be cautious, prepared, and proactive in safeguarding our interests. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek advice from all sources and guide us in making the best decisions for ourselves and the ummah.