Hadith #699

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The worst brother is the one who keeps ties with you in good times but abandons you in times of difficulty.

This Hadith highlights the importance of true brotherhood and the negative consequences of superficial relationships.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (brother) "إخوان" refers to a person who shares a bond of kinship, friendship, or faith. It encompasses the concept of brotherhood in its broadest sense. (keeps ties) "المُواصِلُ" refers to maintaining a connection and actively nurturing the relationship. (good times) "الرَّخاءِ" signifies periods of ease, prosperity, and happiness. On the other hand, (abandons) "المَفاصِلُ" refers to severing ties and distancing oneself. Lastly, (times of difficulty) "البلاءِ" represents moments of hardship, adversity, and challenges.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood in various verses. 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 highlights the unity and solidarity among Muslims, emphasizing the need to reconcile differences and maintain harmonious relationships.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us that true brotherhood is not limited to mere words or superficial gestures. In Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), Allah describes the righteous believers as those who

give food, despite their own need, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, saying, 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This exemplifies the selflessness and compassion that should characterize genuine brotherhood.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The worst kind of brother is the one who appears supportive and caring during times of ease and prosperity, but abandons their brother in times of difficulty. This behavior is hypocritical and devoid of true brotherhood. It reveals a lack of sincerity and a shallow understanding of the responsibilities that come with being a brother.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of consistency and loyalty in relationships. True brotherhood is not limited to enjoying the benefits of companionship during good times; it requires standing by each other through thick and thin. A true brother is one who remains steadfast and supportive, offering a helping hand and providing comfort and solace during times of adversity.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to evaluate the sincerity of their relationships. It urges us to reflect on our own actions and ensure that we are not guilty of being the worst kind of brother. We should strive to be consistent in our support, compassion, and care for our brothers and sisters, regardless of the circumstances.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of true brotherhood and the negative consequences of superficial relationships. It reminds us to be consistent and loyal in our support for one another, especially during times of difficulty. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be sincere and compassionate brothers and sisters, and may He bless us with strong bonds of unity and love within the Muslim community.