Hadith #10812

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 noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily friendship is expressed by the tongue whereas love is expressed by the gaze (or the eyes).

This impactful Hadith highlights the different ways in which friendship and love are manifested in our interactions with others.

Let us first delve into the important words used in this Hadith. The word (mawaddah) "مَوَدَّةَ" refers to friendship or affection, while (al-lisan) "اللِّسانُ" means the tongue. On the other hand, (mahabbah) "مَحَبَّةِ" signifies love, and (al-'aynan) "العَيْنانِ" refers to the gaze or the eyes.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes the importance of friendship and brotherhood among Muslims. It encourages us to use our tongues to express kindness, forgiveness, and reconciliation in our relationships.

Furthermore, the Quran also emphasizes the significance of love. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:165), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.

This verse highlights the importance of directing our love towards Allah and His chosen ones, rather than placing our love in worldly attachments. It reminds us that true love should be reserved for the Divine and those who are beloved to Him.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. Friendship, as expressed by the tongue, refers to the words we use to build and maintain relationships. It involves speaking kindly, offering support, and showing empathy towards others. Through our words, we can express our care and concern for our friends, and we can strengthen the bonds of brotherhood within the Muslim community.

On the other hand, love, as expressed by the gaze or the eyes, goes beyond mere words. It is a deeper, more profound form of affection that is felt in the heart. Love is seen in the way we look at someone, the way our eyes light up when we see them, and the way we prioritize their happiness and well-being. It is a silent language that speaks volumes without uttering a single word.

Imam Ali's statement reminds us that both friendship and love are essential in our relationships. While friendship is important for building connections and fostering unity, love adds a deeper dimension to our interactions. When we combine the expression of friendship through our tongues with the expression of love through our gaze, we create a harmonious and meaningful bond with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of expressing friendship through our words and love through our actions. It reminds us to be mindful of the power of our tongues in building and maintaining relationships, and the significance of expressing our love for others through our eyes. By embodying these teachings, we can cultivate strong bonds of friendship and love within the Muslim community, and strive towards a more harmonious and compassionate society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us all with true friendship and sincere love for the sake of His pleasure.