Hadith #810

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the qualities of a true brother in Islam. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to examine is (your brother) "أخاك". In this context, it refers to a fellow Muslim who shares the bond of faith with you. The term (true) "حقاً" highlights the sincerity and genuineness of this brotherhood. It implies that a true brother is not just someone who claims to be a brother, but one who embodies the qualities mentioned in the Hadith.

The Hadith then outlines six qualities of a true brother. The first quality is forgiveness, symbolized by the word (forgives) "غَفَرَ". A true brother forgives the mistakes and shortcomings of his fellow Muslim, showing compassion and understanding. This concept of forgiveness is beautifully emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 10:

Indeed, the believers are brothers. So make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

The second quality mentioned is fulfilling the needs of one's brother, represented by the word (fulfills) "سَدَّ". A true brother is always ready to assist and support his fellow Muslim in times of need. This concept is echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Hashr, verse 9:

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., the Muslims of Medina] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation.

The third quality mentioned is accepting excuses, denoted by the word (accepts) "قَبِلَ". A true brother is understanding and compassionate, willing to accept the excuses and apologies of his fellow Muslim. This concept is beautifully illustrated in the Quran in Surah An-Nur, verse 22:

Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not love for Allah to forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

The fourth quality mentioned is hiding the flaws of one's brother, symbolized by the word (hides) "سَتَرَ". A true brother protects the honor and dignity of his fellow Muslim, concealing their weaknesses and faults. This concept is emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12:

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

The fifth quality mentioned is removing the apprehensions of one's brother, represented by the word (removes) "نَفَى". A true brother dispels the doubts and fears of his fellow Muslim, providing reassurance and comfort. This concept is beautifully highlighted in the Quran in Surah Al-Imran, verse 173:

Those to whom hypocrites said, 'Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them.' But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, 'Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.'

The sixth and final quality mentioned is actualizing the hopes of one's brother, symbolized by the word (actualizes) "حَقَّقَ". A true brother supports and encourages the aspirations and dreams of his fellow Muslim, helping them achieve their goals. This concept is beautifully expressed in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286:

Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides profound guidance on the qualities of a true brother in Islam. It emphasizes forgiveness, fulfilling needs, accepting excuses, hiding flaws, removing apprehensions, and actualizing hopes. These qualities are not only essential for fostering strong brotherhood within the Muslim community but are also deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims.