The matter was so important that the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) asked the man three times: “If I give you advice, will you follow it?”
Each time, the man responded affirmatively. After all, he had come to the Prophet himself, seeking his guidance and advice.
After confirming the man’s sincerity, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “I advise you that whenever you wish to do something, reflect on its outcome. If it leads to growth (guidance), do it, and if it leads to misguidance, avoid it.” [1]
Unfortunately, in today’s society, many people rush to fulfill their desires and seek short-term happiness without considering the consequences of their actions. Rarely do they pause to reflect on the eternal and long-term impacts of their decisions and actions, or whether their deeds are pleasing to God. As the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) put it, they neglect to consider if their actions lead to true guidance and ultimate happiness.
Contemplation and reflection are what distinguish humans from other creatures. For this reason, the seemingly simple advice of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to the Arab man serves as a guiding principle with which we should continually assess our actions, big and small, and carefully consider their outcomes.
In a related context, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to one of his companions, Ibn Mas’ud: “O Ibn Mas’ud! Whenever you wish to act, do so with knowledge and wisdom. Refrain from actions done without reflection and knowledge…” [2][3]
Footnotes:
[1] *Al-Kafi*, Volume 8, Page 150.
[2] *Makarem al-Akhlaq*, Page 458.
[3] Translations of the hadiths are adapted from *Keys to Life (Mafatih al-Hayat)*.