Hadith #12

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the importance of brotherhood and the consequences of neglecting it. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deeper meanings in light of the Quran.

The word (most helpless) "أَعْجَزُ" in this Hadith refers to a state of extreme vulnerability and weakness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the most helpless among people is the one who fails to establish meaningful relationships with his brothers in faith. This highlights the significance of brotherhood in Islam and the need for believers to support and uplift one another.

The word (find) "اكْتِسَابِ" emphasizes the active effort required to seek out and acquire genuine companionship. It implies that one should actively strive to build strong bonds of brotherhood with fellow Muslims. This can be achieved through acts of kindness, mutual support, and sincere love for the sake of Allah.

To further understand the importance of brotherhood, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10):

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the unity and brotherhood among believers, urging them to reconcile any disputes and maintain harmonious relationships.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse highlights the importance of supporting one another in acts of righteousness and goodness. It further emphasizes the need for believers to stand together against sin and aggression.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then goes on to say that the one who finds a true brother but loses him is even more helpless. This highlights the pain and regret that comes from losing a close companion and the void it leaves in one's life. It serves as a reminder to cherish and nurture the relationships we have, as they are a source of strength and support.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see that neglecting brotherhood not only leads to a sense of helplessness but also deprives us of the blessings and benefits that come from genuine companionship. By actively seeking out and maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood, we can find solace, support, and guidance in our journey towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of brotherhood in Islam and the consequences of neglecting it. It urges us to actively seek out and establish meaningful relationships with our fellow Muslims, as they are a source of strength and support. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with sincere and loving companionship and enable us to be true brothers and sisters to one another.