Hadith #5417

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

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

مَنِ اسْتَشارَ ذَوِي النُّهى والألبابِ فازَ بِالحَزْمِ والسَّدادِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking advice from individuals who possess intellect and wisdom. By doing so, one can attain success through prudence and aptness.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (istishara) "استشار" refers to seeking consultation or advice. (dhu al-nuha) "ذوي النُّهى" refers to those who possess knowledge and guidance, while (al-albab) "الألباب" refers to individuals who possess wisdom and understanding. (faza) "فاز" means to gain or achieve, (al-hazm) "الحزم" refers to prudence or decisiveness, and (al-sadad) "السَّداد" refers to aptness or correctness.

The importance of seeking advice from knowledgeable and wise individuals is emphasized in the Quran as well. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (Quran 3:159)

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 encourages Muslims to seek consultation from others before making important decisions. By doing so, we can benefit from the wisdom and guidance of others, leading to better outcomes.

Another verse that supports the concept of seeking advice is found in Surah Al-Nahl, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (Quran 42:38)

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 highlights the importance of consultation within the Muslim community, emphasizing that important matters should be decided collectively through consultation.

Now, let us reflect on the significance of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, advises Muslims to seek advice from individuals who possess intellect and wisdom. By doing so, one can benefit from their insights and perspectives, leading to better decision-making.

When we consult those who are knowledgeable and wise, we gain access to their expertise and experience. They can provide us with valuable insights, alternative perspectives, and potential solutions that we may not have considered on our own. This widens our understanding and helps us make more informed decisions.

Furthermore, seeking advice from individuals who possess intellect and wisdom also helps us develop our own intellect and wisdom. By engaging in meaningful discussions and considering different viewpoints, we expand our knowledge and enhance our critical thinking skills. This, in turn, enables us to make more prudent and apt decisions in various aspects of our lives.

The consequences of not seeking advice from knowledgeable and wise individuals can be detrimental. Without their guidance, we may make hasty or ill-informed decisions that lead to negative outcomes. However, by following the advice of those who possess intellect and wisdom, we increase our chances of success and avoid potential pitfalls.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking advice from individuals who possess intellect and wisdom. By doing so, we can benefit from their knowledge and insights, leading to better decision-making and ultimately achieving success through prudence and aptness. This concept is supported by Quranic verses that encourage consultation and highlight the importance of seeking advice within the Muslim community. As Muslims, it is crucial for us to recognize the value of seeking advice from knowledgeable and wise individuals and to incorporate this practice into our lives.