Hadith #10205

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound and insightful hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises the Muslims to not only receive advice but also to act upon it, to not only witness the truth but also to recognize and acknowledge it, and to not only be guided but also to follow that guidance. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to be examined is (نُصِحْتُمُ) "nusihat", which can be translated as "advice" or "counsel." It implies sincere and well-intentioned guidance given to someone for their betterment. The Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking and accepting advice 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. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

This verse highlights the importance of consultation and seeking advice from others before making decisions.

The second word to be examined is (بُصِّرْتُمْ) "bussirtum", which means "to be shown" or

to be made aware of.

It signifies the act of witnessing the truth and recognizing it. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly invites humanity to ponder upon the signs of His creation and to reflect upon the truth. For example, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:20), Allah says,

Say, 'Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed Allah, over all things, is competent.'

This verse encourages us to observe and reflect upon the signs of Allah's creation, which will lead us to recognize the truth and the existence of a Creator.

The third word to be examined is (أُرْشِدْتُمْ) "urshidtum", which means "to be guided" or "to be directed." It refers to being shown the right path and being guided towards righteousness. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from Allah and following His commands. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186), Allah says,

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights the importance of turning to Allah for guidance and following His teachings in order to attain true guidance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises the Muslims to not only receive advice but also to act upon it, to not only witness the truth but also to recognize and acknowledge it, and to not only be guided but also to follow that guidance. By doing so, they would be fulfilling their responsibilities as believers and would be on the path of righteousness.

This hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to be open to advice and guidance, to actively seek the truth, and to follow the guidance that has been bestowed upon them. It encourages us to be proactive in our pursuit of knowledge and righteousness, and to constantly strive for self-improvement. By accepting advice, recognizing the truth, and following guidance, we can attain spiritual growth and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to take heed of the advice, recognize the truth, and follow the guidance that has been bestowed upon us. May He bless us with the wisdom and knowledge to navigate through the challenges of life and to attain His pleasure. Ameen.