Hadith #4323

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,

رُبَّ قَريب أبْعدُ مِنْ بَعيد۔

which translates to

Many a near relative is farther away than one who is distant [or unrelated].

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of true companionship and the significance of genuine relationships.

Let us delve into the meanings of some important words in this Hadith. The word (rubba) "رُبَّ" signifies "many" or "numerous," emphasizing the prevalence of this situation. (qarib) "قَريب" refers to a near relative, someone who is closely related to us by blood or marriage. On the other hand, (ba'eed) "بَعيد" denotes someone who is distant or unrelated to us.

To understand the deeper implications of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:24),

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah intervenes between a man and his heart and that to Him you will be gathered.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to the call of Allah and His Messenger, as it brings life to our hearts. It reminds us that our ultimate connection is with Allah, and our relationships should be based on obedience to Him.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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

This verse highlights the unity and brotherhood among the believers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong bonds with one another. It reminds us that true closeness is not merely based on blood relations but on the mutual love and respect we have for each other as Muslims.

Now, coming back to the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand its significance in light of these Quranic verses. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that being physically close to someone does not necessarily mean that they are truly close to us in terms of their loyalty, support, and understanding. Sometimes, those who are unrelated or physically distant from us can be more supportive, trustworthy, and caring.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to evaluate our relationships based on their true essence rather than superficial factors. We should prioritize the qualities of sincerity, trustworthiness, and righteousness in our companions, rather than solely relying on blood ties or physical proximity.

For example, we may have a close relative who is always distant in terms of emotional support or fails to fulfill their responsibilities towards us. On the other hand, we may have a friend or acquaintance who is not related to us by blood but consistently shows genuine care, support, and loyalty. In such cases, it is essential to recognize the true value of these relationships and prioritize them accordingly.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for us to choose our companions wisely and to seek those who bring us closer to Allah and His teachings. It encourages us to surround ourselves with individuals who uplift us spiritually, intellectually, and morally, regardless of their blood relation or physical proximity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us to prioritize the quality of our relationships over their quantity. It reminds us that true closeness is not determined by blood ties or physical proximity alone, but by the sincerity, support, and righteousness of the individuals we choose to surround ourselves with. May Allah guide us in forming meaningful and beneficial relationships and grant us the wisdom to recognize the true value of companionship.