Hadith #778

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family, the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الصَّدِيقُ أفضلُ العُدَّتَينِ" which translates to

A friend is the better of the two assets.

This Hadith highlights the significance of having a true and sincere friend in one's life. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words within this Hadith.

The word (As-Sadiq) "الصَّدِيقُ" refers to a friend or companion who is trustworthy, loyal, and sincere. This friend is someone who stands by your side, supports you, and shares your joys and sorrows. They are not just acquaintances, but individuals who have a deep bond of love and trust with you.

The word (Afdal) "أفضلُ" means better or superior. It emphasizes the superiority of having a true friend over any other worldly possessions or assets. This Hadith teaches us that a sincere friend is more valuable than any material wealth or possessions.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.

This verse emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous companions who remind us of Allah and help us stay on the right path. It highlights the significance of having friends who are devoted to the worship of Allah and who encourage us to do the same. Such friends are a source of strength, guidance, and spiritual upliftment.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:73), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who believed and emigrated and fought in the cause of Allah and those who gave shelter and aided - it is they who are the believers, truly. For them is forgiveness and noble provision.

This verse highlights the importance of companionship and friendship in the context of faith and righteous actions. It emphasizes that true believers are those who support and help one another in the cause of Allah. They provide shelter, aid, and assistance to their fellow believers, and in return, they are promised forgiveness and noble provision from Allah.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the immense value of a sincere friend. In this materialistic world, where people often prioritize wealth, possessions, and social status, this Hadith serves as a reminder that true happiness and contentment lie in the company of righteous and sincere friends.

A sincere friend is someone who supports us during difficult times, guides us towards righteousness, and reminds us of our purpose in life. They are a source of comfort, encouragement, and inspiration. A true friend is not swayed by worldly desires or personal gain but is genuinely concerned about our well-being and success in this life and the hereafter.

Having a sincere friend also has profound consequences on our spiritual and emotional well-being. They help us stay grounded, remind us of our values, and encourage us to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. They provide a safe space for us to share our thoughts, concerns, and aspirations, and they offer valuable advice and support.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the immense value of having a sincere friend in our lives. It reminds us that true friendship is more valuable than any material wealth or possessions. The Quranic verses further emphasize the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous companions who remind us of Allah and support us in our journey towards Him. May Allah bless us with sincere and righteous friends who bring us closer to Him and help us navigate the challenges of this world.