Hadith #10837

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,

مَوَدَّةُ ذَوِى الدّينِ بَطيئَةُ الاِنْقطاعِ، دائِمَةُ الثَّباتِ والبَقاءِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the enduring nature of friendship among those who are religiously inclined. The word (mawaddah) "مَوَدَّةُ" refers to love, affection, and friendship. (dhu al-deen) "ذَوِى الدّينِ" means those who possess faith and are committed to their religion. (batii'at al-inqitaa) "بَطيئَةُ الاِنْقطاعِ" implies that this friendship is slow to sever or break, while (daaimat al-thabat wa al-baqaa) "دائِمَةُ الثَّباتِ والبَقاءِ" signifies its firmness and lasting nature.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, verse 103:

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.

This verse highlights the importance of unity and steadfastness among believers. It emphasizes the need for a strong bond that is not easily severed, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) described in the Hadith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 10, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Indeed, the believers are brothers.

This verse emphasizes the brotherhood and sisterhood that exists among the believers. It signifies the deep bond that is formed through faith and the mutual love and support that should exist within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, understood the importance of maintaining strong and lasting relationships. He recognized that true friendship among believers is not based on superficial factors but rather on a shared commitment to faith and righteousness. Such friendships are built on a solid foundation and are not easily broken.

The consequences of fostering such enduring friendships are numerous. Firstly, it creates a sense of unity and solidarity within the Muslim community. When believers stand together, support one another, and maintain strong bonds, they become a formidable force against any challenges they may face. Secondly, it promotes a positive and nurturing environment for personal growth and spiritual development. When surrounded by like-minded individuals who are committed to their faith, one is more likely to be encouraged and inspired to strive for excellence in their religious practices.

Moreover, the Hadith highlights the importance of choosing friends wisely. It reminds us to seek companionship with those who are religiously inclined, as they are more likely to have a positive influence on our lives and help us in our journey towards Allah's pleasure. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to prioritize relationships that are based on faith, love, and mutual support.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of cultivating lasting friendships among those who are committed to their religion. It encourages Muslims to prioritize relationships that are built on a solid foundation of faith, love, and support. By doing so, we can create a strong and united Muslim community, fostering an environment of growth and spiritual development. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our friends wisely and bless us with enduring friendships that bring us closer to Him.