Contemplate and Seek Advice Before You Commit to Anything

“The cure of contemplation is seeking advice.”—Abu Daud

One of the companions of an Islamic scholar said to him:

“I always tend to suffer losses in my business transactions. The guile and deception of the sellers or the purchasers act like magic and leave me cheated.”

The scholar advised him to be patient and forbearing in the course of any transaction.

“Do know that contemplation and patience are from Allah, while hastiness and impetuosity are from Shaitan.” The scholar continued.

You can learn this important lesson from a dog. Notice that when you throw a piece of bread to a dog; the dog does not immediately begin to eat it but first smells it and only after finding it to be appropriate, begins the eating.

Similarly, you should smell every matter that comes up before you {i.e. reflect and ponder over pros and cons of it and do not embark upon any undertakings without the necessary preliminaries}.

You, with your intellect and wisdom, are no less than a dog; thus, contemplate and reflect before every action.”

And the Prophet {S} also said:

“The cure of contemplation is seeking advice.”—Abu Daud

May Allah {SWT} guide us right. Aameen

Reference: Riwayat-ha Wa Hikayat-ha

PS: {Though the story has been modified, the essence is still the same.}