Hadith #10831

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining and upholding friendships, even in the absence of reciprocation. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran.

The word (wudd) "ودّ" in the Hadith refers to friendship, love, and affection. It encompasses the bond that exists between individuals based on mutual care, support, and goodwill. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to be (haafidhan) "حافِظاً", which means an upholder or guardian of this friendship. It implies taking the responsibility to maintain and nurture the bond of friendship, regardless of whether the other person reciprocates or not.

This guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with others, even in the face of adversity. In Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse teaches us that we should treat others with kindness and justice, regardless of their beliefs or actions towards us. It encourages us to uphold the values of friendship and maintain good relations, even with those who may not reciprocate our efforts. This is a testament to the noble character of a true believer.

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

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

This verse highlights the importance of unity and brotherhood among the believers. It reminds us that we are all part of one Ummah, and it is our duty to reconcile and maintain peaceful relations with our fellow Muslims.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to be an upholder of friendship, even in the absence of a custodian, carries profound wisdom. It teaches us that our commitment to friendship should not be contingent upon the actions or attitudes of others. Instead, we should strive to fulfill our responsibilities and obligations towards our friends, regardless of whether they reciprocate our efforts or not.

This guidance is a reflection of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) deep knowledge and understanding of human relationships. He recognized that true friendship is not based on selfish motives or personal gain, but rather on selflessness, compassion, and loyalty. By upholding the bond of friendship, even in the absence of reciprocation, we demonstrate our sincerity and commitment to the values of Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice also serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of our actions. When we consistently uphold the values of friendship and maintain good relations, we create an environment of love, trust, and unity within the Muslim community. Our efforts can inspire others to reciprocate and foster a culture of mutual support and care.

On the other hand, neglecting our responsibilities towards friendship can lead to the erosion of trust, the breakdown of relationships, and the fragmentation of the Muslim community. It is essential for us to reflect upon the consequences of our actions and strive to be the custodians of friendship, even when it may seem challenging or unrewarding.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to be upholders of friendship, even in the absence of reciprocation. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of maintaining good relations and treating others with kindness and justice. By embodying the values of friendship, we contribute to the unity and strength of the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to fulfill our responsibilities towards friendship and uphold the teachings of Islam.