Hadith #5968

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the three different situations in which food is eaten and shared. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring the important words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The first situation mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is eating alongside brothers with happiness. The word used for brothers in this Hadith is (ikhwan) "إخوان", which refers to fellow Muslims. This emphasizes the importance of unity and brotherhood among Muslims, where food is shared in a joyful and harmonious atmosphere. This concept is beautifully exemplified in the Quran in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers.

This verse emphasizes the unity and love that should exist among Muslims, and sharing food with happiness is a manifestation of this brotherhood.

The second situation mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is eating alongside the poor with selflessness. The word used for the poor in this Hadith is (fuqara) "فُقَرَاء", which refers to those who are in need and lack material resources. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of selflessness and generosity when sharing food with the less fortunate. This concept is beautifully emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse teaches us the importance of helping those in need without expecting anything in return, and sharing food with the poor is a noble act of selflessness.

The third situation mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is eating alongside the children of this world with magnanimity. The phrase used for the children of this world in this Hadith is (abna' ad-dunya) "أبناء الدنيا", which refers to those who are engrossed in worldly pursuits. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of displaying magnanimity and nobility when sharing food with such individuals. This concept is beautifully highlighted in the Quran in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse teaches us the importance of maintaining our dignity and integrity while interacting with those who are solely focused on worldly matters, and sharing food with magnanimity reflects our steadfastness in adhering to our principles.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully encapsulates the essence of sharing food in different situations, highlighting the values of brotherhood, selflessness, and magnanimity. By sharing food with happiness alongside our fellow Muslims, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and unity. By sharing food selflessly with the poor, we demonstrate compassion and generosity. And by sharing food with magnanimity alongside those engrossed in worldly pursuits, we maintain our integrity and uphold our values.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect on their actions and intentions when it comes to sharing food. It encourages us to be mindful of the different situations in which we eat and share food, and to ensure that our actions align with the teachings of the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the values highlighted in this Hadith and to be a source of blessings and goodness for others.