Hadith #10841

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of the friendship of lay people. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, compares this friendship to the parting of clouds and the disappearance of a mirage. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (mawaddah) "مَوَدَّةُ" refers to friendship or affection. It signifies a bond between individuals based on love, care, and goodwill. The word (al-'awamm) "العَوامِّ" refers to the common people or the general masses. It encompasses individuals who may not possess deep knowledge or understanding of religious matters.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares the friendship of lay people to the parting of clouds and the disappearance of a mirage. This analogy emphasizes the fleeting nature of their relationships. Just as clouds disperse and disappear, and a mirage fades away, the friendship of lay people is transient and short-lived.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the impermanence of worldly relationships in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where He says,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly pursuits and relationships. Just as plants wither and dry up after a rain, friendships based on worldly desires and material gains also fade away. The analogy of the rain and the subsequent withering of plants serves as a reminder that the friendships of lay people, which are often rooted in worldly interests, are bound to dissolve.

Another Quranic verse that supports the concept presented in the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, you [disbelievers] and what you worship other than Allah are the firewood of Hell. You will be coming to [enter] it. Had these [false deities] been [actual] gods, they would not have come to it, but all are eternal therein.

This verse highlights the ultimate fate of those who worship false deities and engage in idolatry. It serves as a reminder that relying on worldly relationships and attachments, rather than seeking a connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), leads to eternal damnation. Similarly, friendships based solely on worldly desires and devoid of spiritual connection are destined to perish.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound insight in this Hadith urges us to reflect on the nature of our relationships. As Muslims, we should strive to build friendships that are rooted in faith, sincerity, and the pursuit of righteousness. These friendships, unlike the transient bonds of lay people, are based on shared values and a commitment to pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of friendships rooted in worldly desires. It encourages us to seek lasting and meaningful connections that are based on faith and righteousness. By prioritizing our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking friendships that align with His guidance, we can establish bonds that endure both in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our companions wisely and bless us with sincere and lasting friendships.