Hadith #639

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

خَيرُ الإخوانِ مَنْ كانَتْ في اللّهِ مَوَّدَتُه۔

This can be translated as,

The best brother is one whose affection is for the sake of Allah.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of sincere love and brotherhood among Muslims, and emphasizes that true brotherhood is based on the love for the sake of Allah.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (brother) "إخوان" refers to a person who shares a common bond of faith and brotherhood with others. It encompasses the concept of unity, compassion, and support among Muslims. The term (affection) "مَوَّدَتُه۔" refers to a deep and genuine love that is rooted in the heart, surpassing superficial attachments. It is a love that is solely for the sake of Allah, free from any ulterior motives or personal gain.

This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of love and brotherhood among believers. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

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 bond that should exist among Muslims, and encourages them to resolve any conflicts or disputes with love and compassion.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:103), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.

This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and warns against division among Muslims. It reminds us that our strength lies in our unity and collective effort, and that true brotherhood is based on our love for the sake of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to evaluate the sincerity of their love and affection towards their fellow believers. It urges us to reflect upon our intentions and ensure that our love for others is solely for the sake of Allah. When our love is rooted in the love of Allah, it becomes a source of strength and unity, and it transcends worldly desires and interests.

When we truly love for the sake of Allah, our actions and interactions with others are guided by sincerity and selflessness. We strive to support and uplift one another, to forgive and overlook each other's faults, and to promote harmony and peace within the Muslim community. This love becomes a motivation for us to fulfill our obligations towards our fellow Muslims, to lend a helping hand to those in need, and to treat others with kindness and respect.

Conversely, when our love is driven by personal gain or worldly desires, it becomes conditional and temporary. It can lead to division, envy, and animosity among Muslims. True brotherhood, as emphasized by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), is based on a love that is pure and selfless, a love that seeks the pleasure of Allah alone.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the essence of true brotherhood in Islam. It reminds us that the best brother is one whose affection is solely for the sake of Allah. By aligning our love and actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can foster a strong and united Muslim community, where love, compassion, and support prevail. May Allah guide us to be the best brothers and sisters to one another, and may He bless us with sincere love and unity for His sake.