Hadith #640

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

خَيرُ الإخوانِ مَنْ إذا فَقَدْتَهُ لَمْ تُحِبَّ البَقاءَ بَعدَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

The best brother is one after whose loss you would not like to remain [alive].

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of true brotherhood and the depth of love and attachment one should have for their companions.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their meanings. The word "إخوانِ" refers to brothers, indicating a close bond and relationship. It encompasses not only blood relatives but also those who share a deep spiritual connection and common goals. The word "فَقَدْتَهُ" means to lose someone, indicating the departure or separation from a beloved companion. Finally, the phrase

لَمْ تُحِبَّ البَقاءَ بَعدَهُ

translates to

you would not like to remain [alive] after their loss,

emphasizing the profound impact and void left by the departure of such a beloved companion.

This Hadith resonates with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and unity among Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers.

This verse highlights the unity and bond that should exist among Muslims, emphasizing the importance of resolving conflicts and maintaining harmonious relationships.

Furthermore, the Quran encourages Muslims to love one another and to be there for each other in times of need. In Surah Al-Imran (3:103), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.

This verse emphasizes the unity and strength that comes from holding onto the teachings of Islam together as a unified community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith highlights the profound impact that a true brother can have on one's life. It goes beyond mere companionship and touches upon the depth of love, attachment, and reliance one should have for their fellow Muslims. When we truly love and value our brothers and sisters in faith, their loss becomes unbearable, and we would not wish to remain in this world without them.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate strong bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the community. It urges us to cherish and appreciate the presence of our fellow believers, supporting and uplifting one another in times of joy and sorrow. It also encourages us to reflect upon the qualities of a true brother or sister, someone who embodies the teachings of Islam and brings out the best in us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of true brotherhood and the depth of love and attachment we should have for our companions. It calls upon us to value and cherish the presence of our fellow Muslims, supporting and uplifting one another in all aspects of life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be the best brothers and sisters to one another, and may He bless us with true companions who bring us closer to Him.