Hadith #4414

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنِ اسْتَرشَدَ غَوِيّاً ضَلَّ۔

This can be translated as,

One who seeks right guidance from the deviated, goes astray.

To understand the connotation behind this Hadith, let us analyze the key words used. The word (istarsada) "استرشد" means to seek guidance or to follow the right path. It implies seeking knowledge and wisdom from a source that is considered reliable and trustworthy. The word (ghawi) "غوي" refers to someone who is deviated or astray, someone who is not on the right path.

In light of the Quran, we find several verses that shed light on the consequences of seeking guidance from those who are deviated. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-An'am, verse 116,

And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from the right sources, as following the majority blindly can lead one astray. It highlights the need to be cautious and discerning when it comes to seeking knowledge and guidance.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 43, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Have you seen the one who takes as his god his own desire? Then would you be responsible for him?

This verse warns against following one's own desires and whims as a source of guidance. It reminds us that relying solely on our own inclinations can lead us astray from the straight path.

Now, let us delve deeper into the meaning of the Hadith itself. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, cautions us against seeking guidance from those who are deviated. This Hadith serves as a reminder that not all sources of guidance are reliable and trustworthy.

When we seek guidance from someone who is astray, we are likely to be led astray ourselves. This can have serious consequences for our spiritual journey and our overall well-being. Just as a blind person cannot guide another blind person, seeking guidance from someone who is not on the right path will only result in further deviation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to be discerning and cautious in our quest for knowledge and guidance. We should seek guidance from those who are knowledgeable, pious, and have a deep understanding of the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can ensure that we are on the right path and avoid the pitfalls of being led astray.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder of the importance of critically evaluating the sources of knowledge and guidance that we encounter in our lives. We should not blindly follow anyone without verifying their credentials and the authenticity of their teachings. By doing our due diligence, we can protect ourselves from falling into the trap of following those who are deviated.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking guidance from reliable and trustworthy sources. It warns us against blindly following those who are astray, as it can lead us to go astray ourselves. By relying on the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can ensure that we are on the right path and avoid the pitfalls of deviation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and discernment to seek guidance from the right sources and protect us from being led astray.