Hadith #666

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

إذا طالَّتِ الصُّحْبَةُ تأكَّدَتِ الحُرمَةُ۔

This can be translated into English as:

As the companionship prolongs, the [mutual] respect is affirmed.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (suhbah) "صُّحْبَةُ" in this Hadith refers to companionship or association with others. It signifies the act of spending time with someone, engaging in conversations, and sharing experiences. This companionship can be with family, friends, colleagues, or any other individuals with whom we interact regularly.

The word (hurmah) "حُرمَةُ" in this Hadith refers to respect, honor, and sanctity. It implies the recognition and acknowledgment of the dignity and worth of the individuals involved in the companionship.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of maintaining respectful and honorable relationships with others. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights the diversity of humanity and emphasizes the need to know and understand one another. It teaches us that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety, not in wealth, status, or lineage. Therefore, when we prolong our companionship with others, we have the opportunity to truly know and understand them, which in turn strengthens the bonds of respect and honor.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), Allah commands the believers,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the prohibition of ridiculing, insulting, or using offensive nicknames for others. It teaches us to treat one another with kindness, respect, and dignity. When we prolong our companionship with others, we have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of their strengths, virtues, and qualities. This understanding naturally leads to a greater appreciation and respect for one another.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood the profound implications of this Hadith. He recognized that as companionship prolongs, individuals have the chance to truly know and understand each other, leading to a stronger bond of respect and honor. This bond is not limited to superficial interactions but extends to a deep recognition of each other's worth and dignity.

When we practice this teaching in our daily lives, we can witness its positive effects. Prolonged companionship allows us to see beyond the surface level and appreciate the unique qualities and virtues of others. It fosters empathy, compassion, and understanding, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and honor.

Conversely, when companionship is short-lived or lacks depth, there is limited opportunity for individuals to truly know and understand each other. This can lead to misunderstandings, judgments, and a lack of respect. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of investing time and effort in building meaningful and lasting relationships.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that as companionship prolongs, the mutual respect and honor between individuals are affirmed. This impactful saying aligns with the Quranic teachings of knowing and understanding one another, treating each other with kindness and dignity, and refraining from ridicule or insult. By practicing this teaching, we can foster harmonious relationships and create a society based on respect, honor, and mutual understanding. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to implement these teachings in our lives and strengthen the bonds of companionship among Muslims.