Hadith #10206

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and may His peace and blessings be upon His final Messenger, Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

You have been guided if you seek guidance and have been admonished if you seek admonishment and have been advised if you seek advice.

This wise utterance highlights the importance of seeking guidance, admonishment, and advice in the journey of faith.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (dulliltum) "دُلِلْتُمْ" means

you have been guided.

It signifies that if a person sincerely seeks guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), they will be shown the right path. This guidance can be sought through the Quran, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and the wisdom of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

The word (istadlaltum) "استَدْلَلْتُمْ" means

if you seek guidance.

This emphasizes the importance of actively seeking guidance and not remaining complacent in one's faith. Muslims are encouraged to constantly seek knowledge, reflect upon the Quran, and seek the guidance of scholars to deepen their understanding of Islam.

Similarly, the word (wu'ithtum) "وُعِظْتُمْ" means

you have been admonished.

It implies that if one seeks admonishment, they will be reminded of their shortcomings and guided towards rectifying their actions. Admonishment can come in various forms, such as reminders from the Quran, sermons, or even personal reflections. It is a means of self-correction and spiritual growth.

The word (atta'aththtum) "اتَّعَظْتُمْ" means

if you seek admonishment.

This highlights the importance of humility and self-reflection. Muslims are encouraged to seek admonishment from their own selves, as well as from others who can provide constructive criticism and guidance.

Lastly, the word (nusihthum) "نُصِحْتُمْ" means

you have been advised.

It signifies that if one sincerely seeks advice, they will be guided towards making wise decisions and taking the right course of action. Seeking advice is an essential part of decision-making, as it allows individuals to benefit from the wisdom and experience of others.

The word (antasahtum) "انْتَصَحْتُمْ" means

if you seek advice.

This emphasizes the importance of consulting others and seeking their counsel in matters of importance. Islam encourages mutual consultation (shura) and recognizes the value of collective wisdom in decision-making.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:24),

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life.

This verse highlights the importance of responding to the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), as it is through their teachings that we find true life and guidance.

In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:6), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking advice and verifying information before taking any action. It encourages Muslims to be cautious and seek guidance in order to avoid causing harm or regretting their actions.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that seeking guidance, admonishment, and advice are essential aspects of our faith. By actively seeking these, we open ourselves to Allah's guidance, rectify our shortcomings, and make informed decisions. It is through this continuous seeking and striving that we can grow spiritually and attain success in this world and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek guidance, admonishment, and advice, and may He bless us with the wisdom to benefit from them. Ameen.