Hadith #4063

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the fundamental principles that form the foundation of the religion of Islam. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the structure of religion is based on two essential qualities: impartiality towards oneself and supporting one's brethren.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of these two qualities. The first quality mentioned is (إنصاف) "inshaaf", which can be translated as impartiality or fairness towards oneself. This refers to the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability in one's religious journey. It entails recognizing and rectifying one's own flaws, biases, and shortcomings. It is about being honest with oneself and striving for self-improvement in all aspects of life, including spirituality, morality, and behavior.

This concept of impartiality towards oneself finds its roots in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18),

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and accountability. Muslims are urged to constantly evaluate their actions, intentions, and deeds, and to strive for righteousness.

The second quality mentioned in the Hadith is (مُواساة) "muwasaat", which can be translated as supporting or assisting one's brethren. This refers to the obligation of Muslims to stand by and support their fellow believers in times of need, difficulty, or oppression. It encompasses acts of kindness, compassion, and solidarity towards others, particularly within the Muslim community.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of supporting one another. In Surah Al-Taubah (9:71), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those - Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.

This verse highlights the mutual responsibility and support that Muslims should have for each other, working together to promote righteousness and justice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly strive for self-improvement and to actively support and assist their fellow believers. By practicing impartiality towards oneself, Muslims can continuously work on their own character and spirituality, seeking to align themselves with the teachings of Islam. Simultaneously, by supporting their brethren, Muslims can foster a sense of unity, compassion, and solidarity within the Muslim community.

The consequences of embodying these two qualities are profound. Individually, impartiality towards oneself allows Muslims to purify their hearts, rectify their actions, and strive for spiritual growth. It leads to self-awareness, humility, and a continuous pursuit of righteousness. On a collective level, supporting one's brethren strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community. It creates an environment of love, compassion, and unity, where individuals feel supported, valued, and protected.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of self-reflection, self-improvement, and supporting one another. It is a call to constantly evaluate our own actions and intentions, seeking to align ourselves with the teachings of Islam. It is also a call to actively reach out and support our fellow believers, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity within the Muslim community. By embodying these qualities, Muslims can contribute to the betterment of themselves and society as a whole, ultimately striving towards the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).