Hadith #5394

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "إذا عَزَمْتَ فَاسْتَشِرْ۔" This can be translated as,

When you have decided [to do something], then consult [with others].

This short but beautiful Hadith holds great wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their decision-making processes.

The word (azamta) "عَزَمْتَ" is derived from the root word (azama) "عَزَمَ", which means to resolve or make a firm decision. It implies a state of determination and commitment. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us that once we have reached this stage of decision-making, we should seek consultation.

The word (fastashir) "فَاسْتَشِرْ" is derived from the root word (shawara) "شَاوَرَ", which means to seek counsel or advice. It emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from others before finalizing our decisions. This highlights the significance of consultation in Islam and the value it holds in the decision-making process.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of consultation in several verses. In Surah Al-Imran (3:159), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 highlights the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) practice of consulting his companions and seeking their opinions in matters of importance.

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 its role in decision-making.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to consult after making a firm decision serves as a reminder that seeking the opinions and perspectives of others can provide valuable insights and prevent potential errors or oversights. It encourages Muslims to be humble and open-minded, recognizing that collective wisdom is often superior to individual judgment.

Consultation not only helps in making informed decisions but also fosters unity and harmony within the community. It promotes inclusivity and ensures that diverse viewpoints are considered. By seeking counsel, we acknowledge that we do not possess all the knowledge and wisdom, and we rely on the collective wisdom of the community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights his profound knowledge and wisdom. As the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), he was known for his exceptional intellect and deep understanding of Islamic teachings. His advice to consult after making a firm decision reflects his understanding of the importance of collective decision-making and the benefits it brings to individuals and the community as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of seeking consultation after making a firm decision. It reminds us to be humble, open-minded, and inclusive in our decision-making processes. By seeking the opinions and perspectives of others, we can benefit from their wisdom and avoid potential errors or oversights. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to make wise decisions and grant us the ability to consult and seek counsel from others.