Opinion Before the Courage of the Brave
Opinion is the belief and the deliberation that your mind dictates. It may be correct or incorrect, but the views of those with experience, wisdom, and a wealth of experience rarely err. Therefore, seek their counsel when you are troubled or confused, and you will surely find the guidance you seek. Courage, on the other hand, is a commendable human trait, yet it is a double-edged sword. Undoubtedly, it is required in several contexts, including self-defense, defending the truth, directly confronting crises, and acknowledging and correcting mistakes. Sound judgment spares one from falling into error, whereas courage without planning, intelligence, and deliberation can lead to recklessness and ruin.
Our religion, Islam, praises consultation and seeking advice in worldly affairs, considering consultation a fundamental principle for managing societal affairs and making sound decisions. The Almighty God said to His Prophet (peace be upon him) in the clear verses of the Quran: “And consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]” [Al-Baqarah: 159]. He also said: “And their affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves” [Ash-Shura].
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) set the finest examples in applying the principle of consultation. This did not局限于 consulting his companions alone; it extended to women, youth, and children, reflecting respect for intellect and highlighting the importance of seeking opinions. It has been said: “He who seeks guidance through prayer never fails, and he who seeks advice never regrets.” It has also been said: “The opinion of an elder is better than the vision of a youth.”
From this, Al-Mutanabbi spoke wisely: “Opinion precedes the courage of the brave, / It is the first step, while courage is the second. / When both unite in a free soul, / It reaches every height. / Perhaps a youth is criticized by his peers / For his judgment before they clash in battle.”
Let us recognize that combining sound judgment with courage is the essence of wise leadership. Judgment provides you with proper planning to avoid mistakes, while courage gives you the strength to execute your decisions boldly. Stay safe.
