Hadith #5385

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

المشاورة راحة لك وتعب لغيرك

which translates to

Consultation is [a means of] ease for you and a difficulty for others.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance and benefits of seeking counsel and advice in our decision-making processes.

Let us begin by examining the key words in this Hadith. (Al-Mushawarah) "المشاورة" refers to the act of consultation or seeking advice from others. It involves discussing a matter with individuals who possess knowledge, experience, and wisdom in order to make an informed decision. (Raha) "راحة" means ease, comfort, or tranquility, while (Ta'ab) "تعب" signifies difficulty, hardship, or fatigue.

To understand the significance of consultation, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel in various situations. In Surah Al-Imran (3:159), Allah 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. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

This verse highlights the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) practice of consulting his companions and seeking their advice. It demonstrates the importance of involving others in decision-making processes, as it fosters unity, understanding, and cooperation within the community. By consulting others, we can benefit from their diverse perspectives, knowledge, and experiences, leading to better-informed decisions and ultimately, ease and tranquility.

Furthermore, in Surah Ash-Shura (42:38), Allah 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 in matters of governance and community affairs. It highlights that consultation should be a fundamental aspect of decision-making processes, ensuring the participation and representation of all stakeholders. By doing so, we can achieve harmony, justice, and fairness within our societies.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith reminds us that while consultation may bring ease and comfort to the one seeking advice, it may pose challenges and difficulties for those who are consulted. This is because the responsibility of providing guidance and advice requires effort, knowledge, and understanding. Those who are consulted must carefully consider the situation, analyze the available options, and provide sincere and well-thought-out advice. This process can be demanding and may require sacrificing personal interests for the greater good.

Moreover, the Hadith encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes towards seeking advice and consulting others. It reminds us that humility and open-mindedness are essential qualities for those who wish to benefit from the wisdom and knowledge of others. By recognizing the value of consultation, we can overcome our ego and pride, and acknowledge that seeking advice is not a sign of weakness, but rather a strength that allows us to make better decisions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of consultation in our decision-making processes. It reminds us that seeking advice from knowledgeable individuals brings ease and tranquility to our lives, while also highlighting the responsibility of those who are consulted. By following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can foster unity, understanding, and cooperation within our communities, leading to better-informed decisions and ultimately, a more harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to seek counsel and the humility to accept it.