Hadith #6520

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لَيْسَ لِمُعْجِب رَأيٌ۔" which translates to

The self-admiring one has no [valid] opinion [as he never consults with anyone else].

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of seeking counsel and advice from others before forming an opinion or making a decision.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "مُعْجِب" refers to someone who admires and praises themselves excessively, often leading to arrogance and self-centeredness. Such an individual is so consumed by their own opinions and ideas that they fail to recognize the value of seeking input from others. "رَأي" signifies an opinion or viewpoint, which in this context refers to a well-informed and balanced perspective.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel and guidance from others in various 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.

This verse highlights the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) practice of consulting with his companions and seeking their advice, even though he received direct revelation from Allah.

Another verse that supports the concept of seeking counsel is found in Surah Ash-Shura (42:38), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who have responded to their lord and established prayer and whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves, and from what We have provided them, they spend.

This verse emphasizes the importance of consultation among believers in matters of importance, indicating that collective decision-making is a praiseworthy practice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid falling into the trap of self-admiration and arrogance. It encourages us to seek advice and consider the opinions of others, as this leads to a more comprehensive and balanced understanding of any given situation. By consulting with others, we gain different perspectives, insights, and experiences that can help us make better decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.

The consequences of disregarding this advice can be detrimental. When individuals solely rely on their own opinions without seeking input from others, they become susceptible to biases, blind spots, and errors in judgment. This can lead to poor decision-making, strained relationships, and missed opportunities for growth and learning.

On the other hand, when we actively seek counsel and involve others in our decision-making processes, we benefit from their diverse knowledge, experiences, and wisdom. This collaborative approach fosters unity, cooperation, and mutual respect within the community. It also allows for the pooling of collective intelligence, leading to more effective and well-informed decisions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasis on seeking counsel aligns with his renowned qualities of wisdom and knowledge. As the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed a deep understanding of the Quran and the teachings of Islam. His words carry immense weight and serve as a guide for Muslims seeking to navigate the complexities of life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of seeking counsel and advice from others before forming an opinion or making a decision. By humbling ourselves and recognizing the value of diverse perspectives, we can avoid the pitfalls of self-admiration and arrogance. Instead, we can harness the collective wisdom and knowledge of the community, leading to more informed, balanced, and beneficial outcomes. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the humility and wisdom to seek counsel and make decisions that are pleasing to Him.