Hadith #7876

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "حَسَبُ الخَلائِقِ الوَفاءُ۔" This can be translated as,

The distinction of creatures is [by their] loyalty.

In this impactful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of loyalty as a distinguishing characteristic among individuals.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words. (hasab) "حَسَبُ" refers to the measure or criterion by which something is judged or evaluated. It signifies the standard or yardstick against which the worth or value of something is determined. (alkhala'iq) "الخَلائِقِ" refers to creatures or beings, encompassing all of creation. And finally, (alwafa') "الوَفاءُ" means loyalty, faithfulness, and fulfilling one's commitments.

To understand the significance of loyalty as a distinguishing characteristic, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and unity among believers. Loyalty to one another is a fundamental aspect of this brotherhood, as it strengthens the bonds of love and compassion within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:55), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Your ally is none but Allah and [therefore] His Messenger and those who have believed - those who establish prayer and give zakah, and they bow [in worship].

This verse highlights the significance of loyalty to Allah, His Messenger, and the believers. Loyalty to Allah entails adhering to His commandments, fulfilling our religious obligations, and supporting one another in righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood the importance of loyalty in various aspects of life. He demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) throughout his life, even in the most challenging circumstances. His loyalty was not limited to words, but was manifested through his actions, sacrifices, and unwavering support for the Prophet's mission.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) loyalty extended beyond his relationship with the Prophet (ﷺ) to his commitment to justice, truth, and the well-being of the Muslim community. He stood firmly against oppression and injustice, even when it meant facing adversity and opposition. His loyalty to the principles of Islam and the welfare of the Ummah served as a guiding light for Muslims throughout history.

The consequences of loyalty can be seen in the lives of the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) as well. Those who remained loyal to the Prophet (ﷺ) and his teachings were blessed with the honor of being his companions and receiving his guidance. They were instrumental in spreading the message of Islam and establishing a just society based on the principles of faith, unity, and loyalty.

As Muslims, we are reminded by this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to prioritize loyalty in our relationships, whether it be with Allah, His Messenger, our families, or our fellow believers. Loyalty strengthens the bonds of love, trust, and unity within the Muslim community, and it is through loyalty that we can collectively strive towards righteousness and the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that loyalty is a distinguishing characteristic that sets individuals apart. By being loyal to Allah, His Messenger, and our fellow believers, we can strive for excellence in our faith and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody loyalty in all aspects of our lives.