Hadith #6785

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

لاتَعْزِمْ عَلى مالَمْ تَسْتَبِنِ الرُّشْدَ فيهِ۔

This can be translated as,

Do not resolve upon that in which you find no clear guidance.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith in light of the Quran. The key words in this Hadith are (resolve) "عَزِمْ" and (clear guidance) "رُشْد".

The word "عَزِمْ" refers to making a firm decision or determination. It implies a strong commitment and resolve towards a particular course of action. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to make such a firm decision unless we have found "رُشْد" or clear guidance in the matter.

The concept of seeking clear guidance is emphasized throughout the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly encourages Muslims to seek knowledge, understanding, and wisdom before making any important decisions. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269, Allah says,

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom, indeed, he has been given abundant good.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from Allah before making any decisions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 36, Allah says,

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned.

This verse reminds us that we should not blindly follow our desires or make decisions based on incomplete or insufficient knowledge. Instead, we should seek knowledge and understanding before taking any action.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice is rooted in the Quranic teachings of seeking guidance and knowledge. He urges us not to rush into decisions without first acquiring clear guidance. This guidance can come from various sources, including the Quran, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and the wisdom of the Ahl al-Bayt.

By following Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice, we can avoid making hasty decisions that may lead to negative consequences. Instead, we should take the time to reflect, seek knowledge, and consult with those who possess wisdom and understanding. This approach ensures that our decisions are based on sound judgment and are aligned with the teachings of Islam.

For example, let's consider a situation where a Muslim is faced with a financial opportunity that seems lucrative but involves questionable practices. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice reminds us not to hastily resolve upon such an opportunity without seeking clear guidance. We should consult the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to determine if the opportunity aligns with Islamic principles of honesty, fairness, and justice. By doing so, we ensure that our decisions are guided by the principles of Islam and are in line with the teachings of Allah.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement serves as a reminder for all Muslims to seek clear guidance before making important decisions. It emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, understanding, and wisdom from reliable sources, such as the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). By doing so, we can make informed decisions that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam and avoid the potential pitfalls of hasty and ill-informed choices. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to make the right decisions in all aspects of our lives.