Hadith #10805

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

أكْرِمْ وُدَّكَ، واحْفَظْ عَهْدَكَ۔

This can be translated as,

Honour your friendship and keep your promise.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith by examining the important words it contains.

The word (wuddak) "ودَّكَ" refers to friendship or love. It encompasses the bond of affection, trust, and loyalty between individuals. It emphasizes the importance of valuing and cherishing the relationships we have with others, treating them with kindness, respect, and honor. This word reminds us of the significance of maintaining strong and sincere connections with our fellow Muslims.

The word (ahdak) "عَهْدَكَ" translates to promise or covenant. It signifies a commitment or agreement made between two parties. It highlights the importance of fulfilling our obligations and staying true to our word. This word reminds us of the significance of trustworthiness and reliability in our interactions with others.

To further understand the significance of honoring friendship and keeping promises, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:72),

Indeed, those who have believed and emigrated and fought with their wealth and lives in the cause of Allah and those who gave shelter and aided - they are allies of one another.

This verse emphasizes the importance of supporting and standing by one another as allies in the path of Allah. It highlights the strength and unity that can be achieved through sincere friendships and alliances.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Isra (17:34), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our commitments and promises. It reminds us that we will be held accountable for our actions and the promises we make in this life.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can see the profound wisdom it holds. Honoring our friendships means treating others with kindness, respect, and loyalty. It means being there for them in times of need, offering support and assistance. It means valuing their presence in our lives and nurturing the bond of love and brotherhood that exists between us as Muslims.

Keeping our promises is a reflection of our integrity and trustworthiness. It demonstrates our commitment to upholding our word and fulfilling our obligations. When we honor our promises, we build trust and reliability in our relationships, fostering a sense of security and dependability.

Furthermore, the Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. When we honor our friendships and keep our promises, we contribute to the unity and strength of the Muslim community. We create an environment of love, trust, and support, where individuals feel valued and respected.

On the other hand, neglecting our friendships and breaking our promises can have detrimental effects. It can lead to broken relationships, mistrust, and division within the community. It can cause emotional pain and hurt to those we have let down. Therefore, it is essential for us as Muslims to uphold the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to honor our friendships and keep our promises.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a valuable reminder for Muslims to honor their friendships and keep their promises. It highlights the importance of valuing and cherishing the relationships we have with others, treating them with kindness, respect, and honor. It also emphasizes the significance of fulfilling our commitments and staying true to our word. By adhering to these teachings, we can contribute to the unity and strength of the Muslim community, fostering an environment of love, trust, and support. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying these virtues and grant us the ability to honor our friendships and fulfill our promises.