Hadith #7849

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.

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

أعِنْ أخاكَ عَلى هِدايَتِهِ۔

which translates to

Assist your brother in gaining his guidance.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries deep wisdom and emphasizes the importance of helping one another in attaining guidance.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (a'in) "أعِنْ" means to assist or support, while (akhaak) "أخاكَ" refers to your brother, symbolizing the bond of brotherhood and unity among Muslims. Finally, (hidayatih) "هِدايَتِهِ" signifies guidance, which is the path towards righteousness and the ultimate goal of every believer.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of helping and supporting one another in the pursuit of guidance. In Surah Al-Asr, Allah says, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the importance of advising one another towards truth and patience, which are integral components of guidance. It emphasizes the collective responsibility of Muslims to assist and support each other in their journey towards righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (Quran 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 unity and brotherhood among believers, urging them to resolve conflicts and disputes among themselves. By doing so, they contribute to the overall guidance and well-being of the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to actively assist their brothers in attaining guidance. This assistance can take various forms, such as providing knowledge, offering advice, or supporting them in their spiritual growth. By doing so, we contribute to the betterment of our fellow Muslims and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood within the community.

For example, if we see a brother or sister struggling with a particular aspect of their faith, we should extend a helping hand and provide them with the necessary guidance and support. This could involve sharing relevant Quranic verses, explaining the teachings of Islam, or offering practical advice based on our own experiences. By assisting them in gaining guidance, we fulfill our duty as believers and contribute to their spiritual growth.

Moreover, the act of assisting others in gaining guidance not only benefits the individual but also has wider implications for the Muslim community as a whole. When we collectively strive for guidance and support one another in this pursuit, we strengthen the overall fabric of the ummah. This unity and cooperation contribute to a harmonious and thriving community, where individuals are empowered to navigate the challenges of life with the guidance of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Assist your brother in gaining his guidance

serves as a reminder of our responsibility as Muslims to actively support and assist one another in the pursuit of guidance. By drawing inspiration from the Quranic verses that emphasize unity, brotherhood, and mutual support, we can fulfill this duty and contribute to the spiritual growth and well-being of our fellow Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all and enable us to be a source of guidance for others.