Hadith #820

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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 loving those who strive against us for the sake of our religion and who strengthen our faith. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (Love) "أحْبِبْ" comes from the root word "حب" which means affection, attachment, and deep care. It signifies a profound emotional connection and a genuine concern for someone. In this context, it refers to a love that is based on sincerity and for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This love is not superficial or conditional, but rather stems from a genuine desire for the betterment of one's religion.

The phrase (for the sake of Allah) "في اللّهِ" emphasizes that this love should be solely for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It should not be driven by personal interests, worldly gains, or selfish motives. This love is rooted in the recognition that all actions should be directed towards pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure.

The term (the one who struggles against you) "مَنْ يُجاهِدُكَ" refers to those individuals who oppose us or challenge our beliefs and practices. It could be anyone who engages in intellectual or physical struggles against us for the sake of our religion. This struggle can take various forms, such as debates, discussions, or even physical confrontations. However, the emphasis here is on the struggle for the betterment of our religion, not personal conflicts or disputes.

The phrase (for the betterment of [your] religion) "على صَلاحِ دين" highlights the purpose behind the struggle. It is not a struggle for personal gain or power, but rather a sincere effort to uphold and improve the principles and teachings of our religion. This struggle aims to strengthen our faith, promote righteousness, and establish justice in society.

The phrase (and covers you with the mantle of certitude) "ويُكْسِيكَ(يُكْسِبُكَ) حُسنَ يَقين" signifies the outcome of this love and struggle. It refers to the spiritual growth and increased certainty in faith that one attains through such experiences. When we face challenges and opposition for the sake of our religion, it strengthens our conviction and deepens our understanding of the truth. This certitude becomes a protective shield that covers and envelops us, safeguarding us from doubts and uncertainties.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9):

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts and disputes within the Muslim community. It encourages reconciliation and justice, rather than perpetuating division and oppression. When we strive for the betterment of our religion, it should be done with the intention of establishing justice and maintaining unity among believers.

Another verse that supports the concept of loving those who struggle against us for the sake of our religion is found in Surah Al-Mumtahina (60:8):

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse reminds us that our love and kindness should extend to all people, regardless of their beliefs or actions, as long as they do not actively fight against us for our religion. It encourages us to treat others with righteousness and justice, even if they hold different opinions or engage in peaceful disagreements.

In light of these Quranic verses, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with a profound insight into the nature of love and struggle for the sake of our religion. It teaches us that true love is not limited to those who agree with us or share our beliefs, but extends to those who challenge us and strive against us for the betterment of our faith. This love is rooted in sincerity, driven by the desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and leads to the strengthening of our faith and certitude.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith in our interactions with others. We should cultivate a love that transcends differences and embraces the diversity within our ummah. By doing so, we can contribute to the unity and progress of our religion, while upholding justice and righteousness in all our endeavors. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying this profound teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the ability to love for His sake.