Hadith #780

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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) is a thought-provoking saying that highlights the essence of true friendship. Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (a friend) "الصَّديقُ" and (a person who is 'you' except that he is other than you)

إنسانٌ هُوَ أنتَ إلاّ أنّهُ غيْرُكَ

The word "الصَّديقُ" refers to a sincere and loyal companion, someone who is trustworthy and supportive. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that a true friend is someone who is very similar to you, almost like a reflection of yourself, but with certain differences.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and brotherhood among Muslims. It teaches us that as believers, we should strive to be like brothers to one another, supporting and caring for each other.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking strength and support from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives. It reminds us that true friendship should be based on a mutual connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seeking His guidance and blessings together.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reflects the idea that a true friend is someone who shares similar values, beliefs, and goals with you. They understand you deeply, support you in times of need, and guide you towards righteousness. However, they may also possess qualities or perspectives that differ from yours, which can be beneficial for personal growth and broadening one's horizons.

For example, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) tells the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and Khidr (a righteous servant of Allah). Despite their differences in knowledge and understanding, Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) recognizes the wisdom and knowledge possessed by Khidr. This story teaches us that sometimes, those who are different from us can offer valuable insights and guidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also reminds us of the importance of diversity and unity within the Muslim community. We are a diverse ummah, with different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. However, our shared faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our commitment to following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) should be the foundation of our unity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that a true friend is someone who is similar to us in many ways, yet possesses unique qualities that can enrich our lives. This Hadith encourages us to seek companionship with those who share our values and beliefs, while also being open to learning from those who have different perspectives. It reminds us of the importance of unity and brotherhood within the Muslim community, and the need to support and care for one another. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with sincere and loyal friends who guide us towards righteousness.