Hadith #1257

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the highest degree of faith, which is centered around four key principles: befriending for the sake of Allah, having enmity for the sake of Allah, spending on each other for the sake of Allah, and establishing ties with each other for the sake of Allah.

Let us delve into the meanings of these important words in the hadith:

1. (مُوالاةُ) "Mawalat": It refers to befriending, supporting, and showing loyalty to someone for the sake of Allah. It is a deep bond that is based on faith and righteousness. This type of friendship is not superficial or based on personal gain, but rather it is rooted in the love and obedience of Allah.

2. (مُعاداةُ) "Mu'adat": It means having enmity or showing opposition towards someone for the sake of Allah. This does not imply hatred or animosity towards individuals, but rather it refers to opposing those who are against the principles and teachings of Islam. It is a form of standing up for justice and truth.

3. (تَّباذُلُ) "Tabathul": It signifies spending on each other for the sake of Allah. This includes acts of charity, generosity, and selflessness. It is about using one's wealth and resources to help others and fulfill their needs, without expecting anything in return except the pleasure of Allah.

4. (تَّواصُلُ) "Tawasul": It means establishing ties with each other for the sake of Allah. This encompasses maintaining strong bonds of kinship, friendship, and brotherhood/sisterhood within the Muslim community. It involves reaching out, supporting, and caring for one another, with the intention of seeking the pleasure of Allah.

To further understand the significance of these principles, let us turn to the Quran for guidance:

1. Befriending for the sake of Allah: (Quran 2:257)

Allah is the ally of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into the light.

This verse emphasizes the importance of befriending those who believe in Allah. When we befriend someone for the sake of Allah, we are aligning ourselves with those who are on the path of righteousness and guidance. This friendship helps us grow spiritually and brings us closer to the light of faith.

2. Having enmity for the sake of Allah: (Quran 2:120)

And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. Say, 'Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance.'

This verse highlights the importance of having enmity towards those who oppose the guidance of Allah. It does not promote animosity or hatred towards individuals, but rather it emphasizes the need to stand firm in our faith and not compromise our beliefs for the sake of pleasing others.

3. Spending on each other for the sake of Allah: (Quran 3:134)

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse encourages believers to spend their wealth in the cause of Allah, both during times of ease and hardship. It emphasizes the importance of controlling one's anger and forgiving others. When we spend on each other for the sake of Allah, we are demonstrating our love for Him and our commitment to helping those in need.

4. Establishing ties with each other for the sake of Allah: (Quran 3:103)

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and maintaining strong bonds within the Muslim community. When we establish ties with each other for the sake of Allah, we are following the command of Allah to hold firmly to the rope of His guidance. This unity strengthens our faith and enables us to face challenges together.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith highlights the essence of true faith, which is rooted in our relationship with Allah and our interactions with others. Befriending and supporting one another for the sake of Allah, opposing those who go against His teachings, spending on each other selflessly, and establishing strong ties within the Muslim community are all integral aspects of our faith.

By practicing these principles, we not only strengthen our own faith but also contribute to the unity and well-being of the Muslim ummah. It is through these actions that we can strive to attain the highest degree of faith and seek the pleasure of Allah.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to implement these teachings in our lives. May He unite the hearts of all Muslims and bless us with true faith and righteousness.