Hadith #3490

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to stay away from three negative behaviors: abandonment, desertion, and severing of ties with near relatives. Let us delve into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word mentioned in the Hadith is (التَّخاذُلَ) "takhazul", which refers to abandonment or neglecting one's responsibilities or duties. It implies a lack of commitment and dedication towards fulfilling obligations. This can be seen in various aspects of life, such as neglecting one's prayers, disregarding the rights of others, or failing to fulfill societal responsibilities. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our obligations in the Quran in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 1:

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts.

The second word mentioned is (التَّدابُرَ) "tadabur", which means desertion or abandonment. It refers to leaving someone or something behind in a time of need or difficulty. This can manifest in various ways, such as abandoning a friend in times of hardship or deserting one's duties towards the community. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against desertion in the context of battle:

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

The third word mentioned is (قَطيعَةَ الأرْحامِ) "qati'at al-arham", which means severing the ties of kinship or cutting off relations with close relatives. This includes neglecting family responsibilities, refusing to maintain contact with relatives, or harboring grudges and animosity towards them. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining family ties in Surah An-Nisa, verse 1:

And fear Allah through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed, Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith is a reminder for Muslims to uphold their responsibilities, fulfill their obligations, and maintain strong bonds with their relatives. Neglecting these aspects can have severe consequences both in this world and the hereafter. Abandoning our duties towards Allah and others can lead to a loss of blessings and a weakened spiritual state. Deserting those in need can result in a breakdown of trust and a loss of unity within the community. Severing ties with close relatives can lead to a fragmented society and a lack of support and compassion within families.

By adhering to the teachings of this Hadith, Muslims can cultivate a sense of responsibility, compassion, and unity within themselves and their communities. They can strive to fulfill their obligations towards Allah and others, support and stand by those in need, and maintain strong bonds with their relatives. This will not only bring about personal growth and spiritual fulfillment but also contribute to the well-being and harmony of society as a whole.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and enable us to fulfill our responsibilities, support those in need, and maintain strong bonds with our relatives. Ameen.