Hadith #10819

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

المودة في الله أقرب نسب

which translates to

Friendship for the sake of Allah is the best relationship.

This beautiful Hadith emphasizes the significance of forming relationships based on love and friendship, with Allah as the foundation.

The word (mawaddah) "مودة" in this Hadith refers to a deep affection and love that exists between individuals. It goes beyond mere acquaintanceship and encompasses a genuine bond of care, compassion, and goodwill. This love is not based on personal interests or worldly gains, but rather on the love of Allah and seeking His pleasure.

To understand the depth and importance of this concept, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the unity and brotherhood that should exist among Muslims. It encourages us to foster strong bonds of love and friendship, based on the shared belief in Allah and His guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), 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 kindness and justice, even if they may not share the same faith. It reminds us that our relationships should be built on righteousness and fairness, reflecting the love and mercy of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the superiority of forming friendships for the sake of Allah. When our relationships are rooted in the love of Allah, they become a means of seeking His pleasure and attaining His nearness. Such friendships are not limited to superficial interactions or worldly benefits, but rather they are based on the shared goal of pleasing Allah and striving for righteousness.

When we befriend others for the sake of Allah, we are motivated by a higher purpose. Our interactions are guided by the principles of Islam, such as sincerity, honesty, and compassion. We support and encourage one another in acts of worship, remind each other of our responsibilities, and strive together to improve ourselves spiritually.

Moreover, forming friendships for the sake of Allah has profound consequences. It strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community. It creates an environment of love, trust, and support, where individuals can grow and flourish in their faith. Such friendships also serve as a source of comfort and solace during times of difficulty and hardship. When we have friends who share our values and beliefs, we find strength in their companionship and are inspired to persevere in our journey towards Allah.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating relationships that are rooted in the love of Allah. We should seek out friends who inspire us to be better Muslims, who remind us of our purpose in life, and who support us in our pursuit of righteousness. By doing so, we not only strengthen our own faith but also contribute to the unity and growth of the Muslim ummah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that friendship for the sake of Allah is the best relationship. It emphasizes the importance of forming deep, meaningful bonds with others based on love and friendship, with Allah as the foundation. By seeking friendships that are rooted in the love of Allah, we can strengthen our faith, contribute to the unity of the Muslim community, and strive towards attaining His pleasure. May Allah bless us all with sincere and righteous friendships for His sake.