13. Consultation

13. Consultation

chapter 128. Someone who is consulted is in a position of trust

256. Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, asked Abu’l-Haytham, “Do you have a servant?” “No,” he replied. He said, “Come to us when we get some captives.” The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was brought only two captives. Abu’l-Haytham came to him and the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Choose between them.” “Choose for me, Messenger of Allah,” he replied. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “The person who is consulted is in a position of trust. Take this one. I have seen him pray. Treat him well.” Abu’l-Haytham’s wife said, “You will not live up to the words of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, about him until you set him free.” “He is free,” he stated. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Allah did not sent Prophet or kahlif but that he has two confidants: a confidant who commands him to do what is correct and forbids what is bad, and a confidant who will not fall short in corrupting you. Anyone who is protected from the evil confidant has been protected.”
Grade: Saheeh (Authentic)
Commentary: The hadeeth tells the following: The companions (RA)had great respects for the Messenger of Allahﷺ; they would not hasten to make decisions in the matters of the religion – and even in some of their worldly affairs – before him. 2. It is recommended to ask specialists regarding our affairs before we make decisions. 3. The person who is consulted is entrusted with the matter about which his advice is sought. If he knows the truth but hides it, he has knowingly misled the person who consulted him, and this is prohibited. 4. The piety of a person could be known from his open deeds such as his Prayer and general conduct. 5. The husband is the shephered of the household as the Prophets u and caliphs are the shephereds of their people. From amongst their people, some are good while others are bad confidants. Thus, since a man ordinariy confides in his wife, the hadeeth exhorts us to select pious spouses. We seek Allah’s refuge from evil confidants.

chapter 129. Consultation

257.’Amir ibn Dinar said, “Ibn ‘Abbas recited (this ayat), ‘Consult with them about the matter.’ (3:159)”
Grade: Saheeh (Authentic)
Commentary: As regards the expression, “…the conduct of (certain) affairs…”, Hafidh Ibn Hajar (الله رحمه (said, “ It is said that it was a commentary and not a mode of recital…” Also, the consultation is regarding certain affairs because some matters have already been decided through revelation. However after consultation, Allah the Mighty and Sublime says, “Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah.” (Aal- ’Imraan: 159).

258.Al-Hasan said, “People never seek advice without being guided to the best possibility available to them.” Then he recited, “and manage their affairs by mutual consultation.” (42:38)
Grade: Saheeh (Authentic)
Commentary: This narration expresses one of the benefits of consultation. Other benefits include: carrying the people along with descisions (and policies of government), and creating an atmosphere of mutual responsibility and trust.

chapter 130. The wrong action of someone who gives his brother misguided advice

259. Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Anyone who attributes words to me which I did noy say should take his seat in the Fire. Anyone who gives his Muslim brother misguided advice when he consults has betrayed him. If anyone gives a fatwa which is not firm, the wrong action of that rests on the one who gave the fatwa.”
Grade: Saheeh (Authentic)
Commentary: The hadeeth is authentic based on supporting evidences without the increment, “Whoever gives his Muslim brother…” which forms the point of reference in the hadeeth for the section heading. This increment is graded weak by Imam Al-Albaanee (الله رحمه.