Hadith #10854

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

لاتَدُومُ عَلى عَدَمِ الإنْصافِ المَوَدَّةُ۔

This can be translated as,

Friendship that lacks equity does not last.

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of justice and fairness in maintaining lasting friendships.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "عَدَمِ" refers to the absence or lack of something, in this case, "الإنْصافِ" which means equity or justice. And "المَوَدَّةُ" refers to friendship or affection. Thus, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that a friendship devoid of justice and fairness cannot endure.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness. In Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 9, Allah says,

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the necessity of justice in resolving conflicts and maintaining harmonious relationships. It teaches us that true friendship can only be sustained when justice is upheld. When one party oppresses the other, the bond of friendship weakens and eventually breaks. However, when justice is restored, reconciliation becomes possible, and the friendship can be preserved.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, verse 8, where Allah says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with fairness and justice, even if they hold different beliefs or belong to different communities. It reminds us that true friendship transcends religious or cultural differences and is based on the principles of justice and righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood the profound impact that justice has on relationships. He recognized that a friendship built on inequality, oppression, or unfairness is bound to crumble under the weight of resentment and dissatisfaction. Therefore, he advises Muslims to prioritize justice in their interactions and relationships.

When we reflect on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we realize that it encompasses not only our friendships but also our relationships with family, colleagues, and society at large. By upholding justice and fairness in our interactions, we create an environment of trust, respect, and harmony. This, in turn, fosters lasting and meaningful relationships that are built on a strong foundation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true friendship cannot exist without justice and equity. It reminds us of the Quranic teachings that emphasize the importance of acting justly in all aspects of our lives. By adhering to these principles, we can cultivate relationships that are based on mutual respect, fairness, and lasting bonds. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying justice and equity in our friendships and all our interactions.