Hadith #5428

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a valuable piece of advice regarding the importance of choosing the right individuals to consult with. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and deep understanding of matters, warns against including a miser in one's consultation. To fully comprehend the significance of this advice, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in the Hadith.

The word (bakhil) "بَخِيلٌ" refers to a miser, someone who is excessively stingy and reluctant to spend their wealth. This person is characterized by their unwillingness to share and their tendency to prioritize personal gain over communal welfare. The miser's presence in a consultation can have detrimental effects on the decision-making process.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that the inclusion of a miser in a consultation can lead to two negative outcomes. Firstly, the miser may (ya'dila bika 'ani al-qasdi)

يَعْدِلَ بِكَ عَنِ القَصْدِ

which means they may divert you from your intended goal or objective. This is because the miser's mindset is focused on personal gain and accumulation of wealth, rather than considering the greater good or the objectives of the consultation. Their presence can sway the decision-making process towards a path that aligns with their own self-interests, rather than what is best for the community or the task at hand.

Secondly, the miser may (ya'idaka al-faqr) "يَعِدَكَ الفَقْرَ", which means they may frighten you with poverty. This refers to the miser's tendency to instill fear and anxiety in others by emphasizing the potential loss of wealth or resources. Their constant reminders of scarcity and poverty can create a negative atmosphere during the consultation, hindering creativity, innovation, and the exploration of alternative solutions.

To further understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of consultation in Surah Al-Imran, verse 159: (Quran 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 significance of consultation in decision-making processes. It encourages the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to consult with his companions, seeking their opinions and advice. However, it is crucial to note that the consultation should involve individuals who possess qualities such as wisdom, sincerity, and a genuine concern for the welfare of the community. Including a miser in the consultation would contradict the spirit of consultation, as their self-centered mindset would hinder the collective decision-making process.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of selflessness and generosity. In Surah Al-Hashr, verse 9, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the Ansar, the supporters of the Prophet (ﷺ), saying: (Quran 59:9)

And [also for] those who were settled in al-Madinah and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of the Ansar, who welcomed the emigrants from Makkah and prioritized their needs over their own, despite facing their own hardships. The miser, on the other hand, is characterized by stinginess and a lack of concern for the well-being of others. Their presence in a consultation can lead to decisions that prioritize personal gain and hinder the progress and prosperity of the community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a valuable reminder for Muslims to carefully select individuals to consult with. The inclusion of a miser in a consultation can divert the decision-making process from its intended goal and instill fear and anxiety regarding scarcity. By heeding this advice, Muslims can ensure that their consultations are guided by wisdom, sincerity, and a genuine concern for the welfare of the community, ultimately leading to more effective and beneficial decisions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our companions and advisors wisely, and may He bless us with the ability to make decisions that are in line with His guidance.