Hadith #10244

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,

One who neglects to assist his friend is awoken by the footsteps of his [advancing] enemy.

This thought-provoking saying highlights the importance of standing up for and supporting one's friends and allies. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to understand its significance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (assistance or support) "نُصْرَةِ", (his friend or ally) "وَلِيِّهِ", and (his enemy) "عَدُوِّهِ". The term "نُصْرَةِ" emphasizes the act of providing aid, help, or support to someone in need. It signifies the duty of Muslims to come to the aid of their fellow believers. "وَلِيِّهِ" refers to a friend or ally, someone who shares a common cause or objective. It highlights the importance of maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood and solidarity within the Muslim community. "عَدُوِّهِ" refers to the enemy, someone who poses a threat or harm to the individual or the community.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of unity, support, and brotherhood among Muslims. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (Quran 3:103)

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

This verse emphasizes the need for Muslims to stand united and support one another, as division weakens the community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah states, (Quran 5:2)

Help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and aggression

This verse highlights the importance of assisting one another in acts of goodness and righteousness. It encourages Muslims to support their fellow believers in their pursuit of righteousness and to stand against any form of aggression or wrongdoing.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that neglecting to assist a friend or ally can have dire consequences. When we fail to support those who are in need, we risk leaving them vulnerable to the advances of their enemies. This neglect can lead to the weakening of the Muslim community as a whole, as unity and support are essential for its strength and resilience.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, understood the importance of standing up for one's friends and allies. He exemplified this through his unwavering support for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his commitment to the cause of Islam. His actions and teachings serve as a timeless example for Muslims to follow.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of our duty as Muslims to support and assist our fellow believers. We should actively seek opportunities to lend a helping hand, whether it be through acts of charity, offering guidance, or simply being there for someone in need. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims but also contribute to the strength and unity of the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one's friends and allies. It highlights the consequences of neglecting this duty and emphasizes the need for unity and solidarity within the Muslim community. Let us strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith and actively support one another, for in doing so, we strengthen our faith and contribute to the well-being of the ummah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to fulfill this noble duty.