Hadith #636

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) emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and support among Muslims. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by analyzing its key words and their implications.

The word (khayr) "خَيرُ" in the Hadith translates to "the best" or "the most virtuous." It signifies the highest level of excellence and righteousness. The term (ikhwānik) "إخْوانِكَ" refers to "your brothers," indicating the close bond and unity within the Muslim community.

The phrase (man wāsāka bi-khayrihi) "مَنْ واساكَ بِخيرِهِ" means

he who supports you with his benevolence.

This highlights the importance of providing assistance and help to one another in times of need. It encompasses acts of kindness, generosity, and selflessness towards fellow Muslims.

Furthermore, the phrase (khayrun minhu man aghnāka 'an ghayrihi)

خَيرٌ مِنهُ مَنْ أغناكَ عَنْ غيرِهِ

translates to

better than him is one who makes you needless of all other than him.

This part of the Hadith emphasizes the significance of self-sufficiency and independence. It suggests that the best brother is the one who not only supports you but also enables you to rely solely on him, eliminating the need for assistance from others.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and support among Muslims. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the unity and harmony that should exist within the Muslim community.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah commands the believers,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse emphasizes the importance of supporting one another in acts of goodness and righteousness, while also discouraging any form of collaboration in sinful or harmful actions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic teachings by providing practical guidance on how to be the best brother. It encourages Muslims to not only support each other but also strive to make their fellow brothers needless of assistance from others. This concept promotes self-reliance, empowerment, and the development of strong bonds within the Muslim community.

For example, imagine a scenario where a Muslim brother is facing financial difficulties. The best brother in this situation would be the one who not only provides financial support but also helps him find a stable source of income, enabling him to become self-sufficient and independent. This approach not only addresses the immediate need but also empowers the brother to overcome future challenges.

Furthermore, this Hadith motivates Muslims to cultivate a spirit of selflessness and generosity. It encourages individuals to go beyond mere financial assistance and extend support in various aspects of life, such as education, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth. By doing so, Muslims can strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and create a cohesive community that thrives on mutual support and care.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the importance of brotherhood and support within the Muslim community. It encourages individuals to not only provide assistance but also strive to make their fellow brothers needless of help from others. By embodying the teachings of this Hadith, Muslims can foster a sense of unity, self-sufficiency, and empowerment within their communities. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be the best brothers and sisters to one another.