Hadith #697

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: "شرُّ الإخوانِ الخاذِلُ۔" This can be translated as:

The worst of brothers is one who forsakes you [in times of need].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (brothers) "إخوان" refers to individuals who are bound by a common faith and brotherhood in Islam. They are expected to support and assist one another, especially in times of difficulty and need. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the severity of betrayal by using the word (forsakes) "خاذِل", which implies abandoning or betraying someone when they are in need of help or support.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and mutual support among Muslims. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse highlights the bond of brotherhood that exists among Muslims and emphasizes the need for reconciliation and unity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah warns against betraying the trust of others, saying,

And say: My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.

This verse reminds us of the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities and obligations towards our fellow believers, rather than forsaking them in times of need.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the grave consequences of betraying the trust and abandoning their brothers and sisters in faith. When someone turns their back on a fellow Muslim in their time of need, it not only causes immediate harm but also weakens the fabric of the Muslim community as a whole. It erodes trust, creates divisions, and undermines the unity that Islam seeks to foster.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, understood the importance of maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood in Islam. He himself exemplified this through his unwavering support and loyalty to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the early Muslim community. His statement serves as a reminder to Muslims to uphold the values of compassion, empathy, and solidarity, even in the face of challenges and difficulties.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to be the best of brothers and sisters to one another, offering our support and assistance whenever it is needed. We should be mindful of the trust placed upon us by our fellow Muslims and never forsake them in their times of need. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations as believers but also contribute to the strength and unity of the Muslim ummah.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be true brothers and sisters to one another, and may He protect us from the harm of betrayal and abandonment. Ameen.