Hadith #10842

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The friendship of worldly people is cut off when its [worldly] motives are severed.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of relationships based solely on worldly gains and desires. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (wuddu) "ودُّ" in the Hadith refers to friendship or love. It signifies a bond between individuals based on mutual affection and attachment. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that this friendship is contingent upon worldly motives. When these motives cease to exist or are severed, the friendship also comes to an end.

This concept of transient friendships based on worldly motives is echoed in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Imran, verse 14:

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

Here, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that the love and attachment to worldly possessions and desires can distract us from the true purpose of life. These temporary attractions can lead to superficial friendships that are solely based on material gains. When these motives are no longer present, the friendship dissolves.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

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 emphasizes the importance of knowing and understanding one another as human beings, regardless of our worldly differences. It encourages us to build genuine relationships based on righteousness and piety, rather than superficial connections driven by worldly motives. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that true friendships are rooted in sincerity, virtue, and a shared commitment to the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful Hadith holds significant implications for our lives as Muslims. It urges us to reflect on the nature of our relationships and the motives behind them. Are we seeking friendships solely for worldly gains, or are we striving to build genuine connections based on shared values and the pursuit of righteousness?

When we prioritize worldly motives in our friendships, we risk losing those relationships when those motives no longer align. However, if we focus on building sincere connections based on piety and righteousness, our friendships will endure beyond the transient nature of worldly desires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, guides us to seek genuine friendships that transcend the limitations of this world. By aligning our intentions with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can cultivate lasting relationships rooted in sincerity, love, and the pursuit of the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern the true nature of our relationships and guide us to build sincere connections based on righteousness. May He bless us with the ability to prioritize the eternal rewards over the temporary pleasures of this world. Ameen.