Hadith #10823

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, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Three things bring about love: good character, good companionship, and humility.

Let us delve into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

Firstly, "husn al-khulq" refers to good character. It encompasses traits such as honesty, kindness, patience, and forgiveness. The Quran emphasizes the importance of good character in several verses. In Surah Al-Qalam (68:4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as having "exalted character." This verse highlights the Prophet's noble qualities and serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for similar virtues.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility lies in righteousness, which includes good character. It teaches us that our interactions with others should be based on kindness, respect, and empathy.

Secondly, "husn al-rifq" refers to good companionship. It entails surrounding oneself with righteous and virtuous individuals who encourage and inspire us to be better Muslims. The Quran encourages believers to seek companionship with the pious. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.

This verse highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with those who remember and worship Allah, as their presence can have a positive impact on our spiritual growth.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Asr (103:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the significance of advising one another towards truth and patience. It reminds us that our companions should be those who guide us towards righteousness and support us in times of difficulty.

Lastly, "al-tawadu" refers to humility. It is the quality of recognizing one's own limitations and acknowledging the greatness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of humility before Allah. In Surah Al-Hajj (22:34), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And for all religion We have appointed a rite [of sacrifice] that they may mention the name of Allah over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. For your god is one God, so to Him submit. And, [O Muhammad], give good tidings to the humble [before their Lord].

This verse highlights that true submission to Allah requires humility, as it is the humble who will receive glad tidings from the Prophet (ﷺ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

This verse reminds us that true success lies in righteousness and humility, rather than seeking worldly power and status.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that love is fostered through good character, good companionship, and humility. By embodying these qualities, we can strengthen our relationships with others and draw closer to Allah. Let us strive to cultivate these virtues in our lives, following the guidance of the Quran and the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and earn His love.