Hadith #753

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 noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of two virtuous habits: honoring one's companion and assisting those who seek help. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (shiyam) "شِّيَمِ" in the Hadith refers to habits or qualities that a person possesses. It encompasses the actions, behaviors, and characteristics that define an individual's moral and ethical conduct. It is through these habits that one's true character is revealed.

The first habit mentioned in the Hadith is (ikram al-musahib) "إكْرامُ المُصاحِبِ", which translates to "honoring one's companion." This habit emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect, kindness, and dignity, especially those with whom we share close relationships or companionship. It encourages us to value and appreciate the people in our lives, acknowledging their worth and treating them with utmost care and consideration.

The Quran beautifully emphasizes the significance of honoring one's companions in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):

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 importance of recognizing the diversity among people and the need to establish meaningful connections with one another. By honoring our companions, we not only fulfill our social responsibilities but also strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community.

The second habit mentioned in the Hadith is (isaaf al-talib) "إسْعافُ الطَّالِبِ", which translates to

assisting one who seeks help.

This habit emphasizes the virtue of providing support, aid, and assistance to those who are in need or seek guidance. It encourages us to be proactive in helping others, extending a helping hand whenever possible.

The Quran beautifully emphasizes the importance of assisting those in need in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83):

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the divine commandment to assist the needy and vulnerable members of society. It reminds us of our duty to extend our support to those who require it, whether it be through financial aid, emotional support, or any other means that can alleviate their difficulties.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasis on these two habits reflects his profound wisdom and knowledge. As the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and understanding of the Quranic teachings. His words serve as a reminder for Muslims to embody these noble qualities in their daily lives.

By honoring our companions and assisting those in need, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims but also contribute to the betterment of society. These habits promote unity, compassion, and empathy, fostering an environment of love and harmony within our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of two virtuous habits: honoring one's companion and assisting those who seek help. These habits find their roots in the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of treating others with respect and providing support to those in need. By embodying these qualities, we can strive to become better individuals and contribute to the well-being of our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice these habits and seek His pleasure in all our actions.