Hadith #801

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

في الشِّدَّةِ يُخْتَبَرُ الصَّديقُ۔

This can be translated as,

In times of difficulty one comes to know who his [true] friend is.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of true friendship and the true test of friendship during challenging times.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (shiddah) "شِّدَّةِ" refers to difficulty, hardship, or adversity. It encompasses various forms of challenges that one may face in life, such as physical, emotional, or financial difficulties. The word (sadiq) "صَّديقُ" means a true friend, someone who is sincere, loyal, and trustworthy.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of true friendship in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 28:

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.

This verse highlights the companionship of those who are devoted to Allah and encourages believers to surround themselves with righteous friends who remind them of their spiritual obligations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 55, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of true friendship:

Your ally is none but Allah and [therefore] His Messenger and those who have believed - those who establish prayer and give zakah, and they bow [in worship].

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. In times of ease and comfort, it is easy to have numerous acquaintances and companions. However, it is during times of difficulty that the true nature of friendship is revealed. True friends are those who stand by us, support us, and offer their help and guidance when we are facing challenges. They are the ones who remain steadfast and loyal, providing us with emotional and moral support.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, reminds us that true friendship is not merely based on superficial connections or temporary benefits. It is tested and proven during times of hardship. When we face adversity, it is our true friends who will be there for us, offering their assistance and standing by our side.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to carefully choose their friends and companions. We should seek those who are sincere in their faith, who strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and who are committed to their prayers and acts of worship. Such friends will not only support us during difficult times but also inspire us to become better Muslims.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on our own role as a friend. Are we the kind of friend who stands by others in their times of need? Do we offer our support and assistance when our friends face challenges? It is a reminder for us to be true friends, just as we expect others to be for us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of true friendship and its true test during times of difficulty. It reminds us to choose our friends wisely and to be true friends ourselves. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be surrounded by sincere and righteous friends, and may He make us true friends to others.