Hadith #10214

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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) highlights the importance of having a sincere adviser in our lives. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith, exploring its words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first word to focus on is (munāṣiḥuka) "مُناصِحُكَ", which translates to "your sincere adviser." This term emphasizes the significance of having someone who genuinely cares about our well-being and offers sincere advice. This adviser is not driven by personal gain or ulterior motives, but rather by a genuine concern for our spiritual and worldly success.

The next word is (mušfiqun) "مُشْفِقٌ", which means "concerned." This highlights the deep level of care and worry that the sincere adviser has for us. They are genuinely invested in our well-being and are attentive to our needs, always seeking to protect us from harm and guide us towards what is beneficial.

The third word is (muḥsinun) "مُحْسِنٌ", which translates to "kind." This term signifies that the sincere adviser not only cares for us but also shows kindness and compassion towards us. They go beyond mere concern and actively engage in acts of goodness towards us, seeking to bring comfort and ease into our lives.

The fourth word is (nāẓirun) "ناظِرٌ", which means "considers" or "reflects upon." This term highlights the insightful nature of the sincere adviser. They carefully observe and analyze our actions, thoughts, and decisions, taking into account their potential outcomes and consequences. Their deep understanding allows them to provide guidance that is tailored to our specific circumstances.

The fifth word is (mustadrikun) "مُسْتَدْرِكٌ", which translates to "rectifies" or "remedies." This term emphasizes the proactive nature of the sincere adviser. They not only identify our shortcomings but also actively work towards rectifying them. They guide us towards self-improvement and help us overcome our weaknesses, ensuring that we are on the path of righteousness.

The Hadith then states, (fa fī ṭāʿatihī rašāduka wa fī mukhālafatihī fasāduka)

فَفِي طاعَتِهِ رَشادُكَ وفي مُخالَفَتِهِ فَسادُكَ

which means,

So in obedience to him lies your development, and in opposition to him, your corruption.

This part of the Hadith highlights the profound impact that the sincere adviser has on our spiritual and moral growth.

In obedience to the sincere adviser, we find our path to righteousness and success. Their guidance, rooted in wisdom and knowledge, leads us towards actions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By following their advice, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

On the other hand, opposing the sincere adviser leads to corruption. When we disregard their counsel and act against their guidance, we open ourselves up to the potential pitfalls and negative consequences of our actions. This disobedience can lead us astray from the straight path and cause harm to ourselves and others.

To further understand the significance of having a sincere adviser, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 importance of seeking advice and consultation from others. Even the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), the best of creation, sought the counsel of his companions. This exemplifies the significance of having a sincere adviser who can provide guidance and support in our journey towards righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of having a sincere adviser in our lives. This adviser is someone who genuinely cares about our well-being, shows kindness towards us, considers the outcomes of our actions, and actively works towards rectifying our shortcomings. By following their guidance, we find our path to development and success. However, opposing their advice can lead to corruption and negative consequences. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek and follow the counsel of sincere advisers, and may He bless us with righteous companions who guide us towards the straight path.