مَنْ أعانَ عَلى مُسْلِم فَقدْ بَرِئَ مِنَ الإسْلامِ۔
One who assists [a disbeliever] against a Muslim has indeed exited from the fold of Islam.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Assistance)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.
The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:
مَنْ أعانَ عَلى مُسْلِم فَقَدْ بَرِئَ مِنَ الإسْلامِ
This Hadith is a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and solidarity within the Muslim community. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.
Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (a'ana) "أعانَ" means to assist or support, while (muslim) "مُسْلِم" refers to a fellow Muslim. The word (faqad bari'a) "فَقَدْ بَرِئَ" can be translated as "has indeed exited" or "has severed ties". It signifies a severe consequence for the one who assists a disbeliever against a Muslim.
To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of unity and brotherhood among Muslims in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 10:
The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.
This verse highlights the bond of brotherhood that exists among Muslims and emphasizes the need to maintain harmony and resolve conflicts.
Additionally, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 51, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against taking disbelievers as allies over Muslims:
O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are [in fact] allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you - then indeed, he is [one] of them. Indeed, Allah guides not the wrongdoing people.
This verse cautions against supporting those who oppose the Muslim community and emphasizes the importance of loyalty to fellow Muslims.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes the teachings of the Quran by highlighting the severe consequences of assisting a disbeliever against a Muslim. By doing so, one not only betrays the unity of the Muslim ummah but also risks severing their own ties to Islam.
The motivation behind this Hadith is to protect the unity and strength of the Muslim community. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, understood the importance of preserving the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims. By highlighting the severity of assisting a disbeliever against a fellow Muslim, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aimed to discourage actions that could potentially harm the unity and well-being of the Muslim ummah.
The consequences of assisting a disbeliever against a Muslim are grave. Not only does it lead to the severing of ties with Islam, but it also undermines the strength and unity of the Muslim community. Such actions can create divisions, animosity, and weaken the collective power of Muslims. It is essential for Muslims to stand united, support one another, and work towards the betterment of the ummah.
Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of upholding the principles of unity, brotherhood, and loyalty within the Muslim community. It serves as a call to action, urging Muslims to support and assist their fellow believers, rather than contributing to division and discord. By doing so, we can strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and work together towards the common goal of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and establishing a just and harmonious society.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and solidarity within the Muslim community. By assisting a disbeliever against a Muslim, one not only betrays the bonds of brotherhood but also risks severing their own ties to Islam. Muslims are encouraged to support and assist their fellow believers, working towards the betterment of the ummah and upholding the principles of unity and loyalty. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strengthen our unity as Muslims.
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