Hadith #689

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best of all things is that which is newer, but the best of brothers is the oldest of them.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith in light of the Quranic teachings.

First, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word "khayr" means "the best" or "the most excellent." "Kull" means "all" or "every." "Shay" refers to "thing" or "matter." "Jadiduhu" means

that which is newer.

"Ikhwan" means "brothers" or "siblings." And "aqdamuhum" means

the oldest of them.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 46,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of following the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). It teaches us that unity and harmony among Muslims are essential for strength and success. When we are united, we become stronger and more resilient as a community.

In light of this verse, we can understand Imam Ali's statement that

the best of brothers is the oldest of them.

The word "oldest" here does not refer to age, but rather to the one who has been a part of the community for a longer period of time. This person has witnessed the trials and tribulations faced by the community and has gained wisdom and experience from them. They have a deep understanding of the teachings of Islam and can guide others on the right path.

Furthermore, this Hadith highlights the importance of embracing new ideas and innovations. Imam Ali states that

the best of all things is that which is newer.

This does not mean that we should abandon the teachings of Islam or introduce anything contrary to it. Rather, it encourages us to adapt to the changing times while remaining steadfast in our faith.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Islam is a flexible and adaptable religion. It can accommodate the needs and challenges of every era without compromising its core principles.

Therefore, when Imam Ali speaks of the "newer" things being the best, he is referring to innovations and advancements that align with the teachings of Islam and benefit the community. These can be new methods of education, technology, or social initiatives that promote justice, equality, and the well-being of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of unity, wisdom, and adaptability in our lives as Muslims. It reminds us to respect and learn from those who have been part of the community for a longer time, as they possess valuable knowledge and experience. It also encourages us to embrace new ideas and innovations that are in line with the teachings of Islam and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble Ahl al-Bayt.