Hadith #10843

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, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

The friendship of the people who care for the Hereafter lasts as long as its motive [of pleasing Allah] lasts.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (friendship) "ودُّ", (people who care for the Hereafter) "أبْناءِ الآخِرَةِ", (lasts) "يَدُومُ", and (as long as its motive lasts) "دَوامِ سَبَبِهِ".

The word "ودُّ" refers to a deep bond of love, affection, and loyalty between individuals. It goes beyond mere acquaintanceship and implies a strong emotional connection. It is a friendship that is built on sincerity, trust, and mutual respect.

"أبْناءِ الآخِرَةِ" refers to those individuals who prioritize the Hereafter over worldly matters. They are the ones who strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of their lives. Their actions are guided by the principles of faith and righteousness, seeking eternal rewards in the Hereafter.

The word "يَدُومُ" signifies the continuity and longevity of this friendship. It implies that the bond between individuals who care for the Hereafter remains steadfast and enduring.

"دَوامِ سَبَبِهِ" refers to the motive or intention behind this friendship. It highlights that the lasting nature of this bond is contingent upon the sincerity and purity of the motive, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To further understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 165: (Quran 2:165)

Yet there are some people who set up equals to Allah, loving them as they should love Allah. But those who believe have greater love for Allah.

This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our love and friendship for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else. It reminds us that our love for Allah should surpass any other attachment or affection we may have in this world. When our love for Allah becomes the driving force behind our friendships, it ensures their longevity and sincerity.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Tawbah, verse 119: (Quran 9:119)

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.

This verse highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous companions who share our commitment to the Hereafter. When we choose friends who are sincere in their faith and strive to please Allah, our friendship becomes a source of support, guidance, and spiritual growth. It becomes a means to strengthen our connection with Allah and attain His pleasure.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith as a reminder to Muslims about the significance of cultivating friendships based on faith and the Hereafter. It serves as a call to prioritize our relationships with those who share our commitment to pleasing Allah and seeking His rewards.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes that the lasting nature of such friendships is directly linked to the sincerity of our intentions. If our motive for seeking friendship is solely to please Allah and gain His pleasure, then our bond will endure and flourish.

Conversely, if our friendships are based on worldly motives, such as personal gain, social status, or material benefits, they are likely to be short-lived and devoid of true sincerity. Such friendships may crumble when faced with challenges or when the motive behind them fades away.

Therefore, as Muslims, we should reflect on the motive behind our friendships and strive to align them with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. By doing so, we can ensure that our friendships are not only meaningful in this world but also contribute to our success in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose righteous companions and bless our friendships with sincerity, love, and lasting bonds. May He guide us to prioritize the Hereafter in all aspects of our lives. Ameen.