Hadith #3399

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May 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) emphasizes the importance of seeking advice and acting upon the words of a sincere adviser. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

The word (consolidation) "جِماعُ" in the Hadith refers to the gathering and accumulation of good. It implies that when people come together and unite in their pursuit of righteousness, they are more likely to achieve success and benefit from their collective wisdom and efforts. This concept is supported by the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Imran (3:103), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.

The word (good) "خَيْرِ" in the Hadith encompasses all that is virtuous, righteous, and beneficial. It includes acts of worship, moral conduct, and positive contributions to society. Seeking advice and acting upon it is a means of ensuring that our actions are aligned with what is truly good and pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This is echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:189), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

They ask you about the new moons. Say, 'They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj.' And it is not righteousness to enter houses from the back, but righteousness is [in] one who fears Allah.

The word (seeking advice) "مُشاوَرَةِ" in the Hadith highlights the importance of consultation and seeking counsel from others. It signifies the act of deliberating with others, taking their opinions into consideration, and making informed decisions. This concept is emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-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.

The word (sincere adviser) "نَّصيحِ" in the Hadith refers to someone who gives advice with pure intentions, seeking the betterment of others and guiding them towards righteousness. This person is sincere in their counsel, free from personal motives or ulterior agendas. The Quranic verse in Surah Al-Tawbah (9:71) beautifully describes the qualities of a sincere adviser,

The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those - Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of seeking advice and acting upon it, as it leads to the consolidation of good. When individuals come together, pooling their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives, they are more likely to make informed decisions that benefit the community as a whole. By seeking advice, we acknowledge our limitations and recognize the value of collective wisdom.

Acting upon the words of a sincere adviser is crucial because it helps us avoid potential pitfalls and make choices that align with our ultimate goal of seeking Allah's pleasure. The sincere adviser acts as a guide, reminding us of our responsibilities and encouraging us to stay on the path of righteousness. Their counsel serves as a source of motivation, reminding us of the importance of fulfilling our duties towards Allah and our fellow human beings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of seeking advice and acting upon the words of a sincere adviser. By doing so, we consolidate good and increase our chances of success in this life and the hereafter. Let us strive to be individuals who actively seek counsel and surround ourselves with sincere advisers, as this is a means of attaining Allah's pleasure and achieving true righteousness. May Allah guide us all on the path of wisdom and righteousness.