Hadith #10818

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

التَّوَدُّدُ إلَى النّاسِ رَأسُ العَقْلِ

which translates to

Being friendly with people is the cornerstone of intelligence.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (tawaddud) "تَوَدُّدُ" in this Hadith refers to showing love, affection, and kindness towards others. It encompasses the act of treating people with respect, empathy, and compassion. This word emphasizes the importance of building strong and harmonious relationships with fellow human beings.

To understand the significance of this concept, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

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 highlights the diversity among human beings and emphasizes the importance of knowing and understanding one another. By being friendly and showing love towards others, we can bridge the gaps between different cultures, tribes, and nations. It is through this understanding and connection that we can foster unity and harmony among people.

Furthermore, the Quran encourages Muslims to be kind and compassionate towards others. In Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse reminds us to choose our words wisely and speak in a manner that promotes goodness and harmony. By being friendly and treating others with kindness, we can counter the divisive tactics of Satan and promote unity within the Muslim community and society at large.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement that being friendly with people is the cornerstone of intelligence holds profound wisdom. When we are friendly and show love towards others, we create an environment of trust and understanding. This fosters open communication and allows for the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

Moreover, being friendly with people has numerous benefits. It helps in resolving conflicts, building strong social networks, and creating a sense of belonging. When we are friendly, we inspire others to reciprocate the same behavior, creating a positive cycle of kindness and compassion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His statement in this Hadith reflects his deep understanding of human nature and the importance of fostering positive relationships. By being friendly with people, we not only enhance our own intelligence but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of being friendly with people. It emphasizes the significance of showing love, kindness, and compassion towards others. By doing so, we can build strong relationships, promote unity, and enhance our own intelligence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to embody this beautiful teaching in our interactions with others.