Hadith #2008

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

لِيَكُنْ أحَبُّ النّاسِ إلَيْكَ المُشْفِقُ النّاصِحُ

which translates to

Let the most beloved person to you be the compassionate adviser.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of valuing and cherishing those who sincerely care for us and offer genuine advice.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us examine the key words used. The word (mushfiq) "مُشْفِقُ" refers to someone who is compassionate, empathetic, and deeply concerned for the well-being of others. This person possesses a genuine and sincere care for those around them, always seeking to alleviate their hardships and offer support. The word (an-nasih) "النّاصِحُ" refers to an adviser, someone who provides sincere counsel and guidance, with the intention of benefiting others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of compassion and empathy towards others in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah says,

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse encourages believers to choose their words wisely and speak in a manner that is beneficial and compassionate. It highlights the importance of being an adviser who genuinely cares for others and seeks their well-being.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the unity and brotherhood among believers, urging them to reconcile any disputes and promote peace. It is through compassionate advising and sincere concern for others that we can foster harmony and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to value and prioritize those who genuinely care for their well-being. It encourages us to surround ourselves with individuals who possess the qualities of compassion and sincere advice. By doing so, we can benefit from their wisdom, guidance, and support. These compassionate advisers can help us navigate through the challenges of life, offering insights and perspectives that can lead to personal growth and spiritual development.

Moreover, this Hadith also reminds us of the importance of reciprocating the same compassion and sincerity towards others. Just as we seek the company of compassionate advisers, we should strive to be compassionate advisers ourselves. By offering sincere advice and care to others, we can contribute to their well-being and foster a sense of unity and brotherhood within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to value and cherish those who sincerely care for us and offer genuine advice. It encourages us to surround ourselves with compassionate advisers and to reciprocate the same compassion towards others. By doing so, we can foster unity, strengthen our relationships, and strive for personal and spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be compassionate advisers and to seek the company of those who sincerely care for our well-being.