Hadith #10844

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) emphasizes the importance of having sincere love and affection for those whom we befriend solely for the sake of Allah, and conversely, having aversion towards those whom we dislike solely for the sake of Allah. This Hadith highlights the significance of our intentions and motivations in our relationships with others.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this Hadith. The word (waddu) "وادُّوا" is derived from the root word "ود" which means love, affection, or friendship. It signifies a deep and genuine bond that is based on sincerity and devotion. The word (man) "مَنْ" means "those whom" and refers to the individuals with whom we form relationships. The word (tuwaddunahu) "تُوادُّونَهُ" is derived from the root word "ودّ" which conveys the idea of loving or befriending someone. It emphasizes the act of showing affection and kindness towards others.

On the other hand, the word (abghidu) "أبْغِضُوا" is derived from the root word "بغض" which means hatred or aversion. It signifies a strong dislike or animosity towards someone. The word (man) "مَنْ" is repeated and refers to the individuals whom we dislike. The phrase (tubghidunahu) "تُبْغِضُونَهُ" is derived from the same root word and emphasizes the act of harboring animosity or ill feelings towards others.

To understand the profound wisdom behind 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 peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and unity among the believers. It encourages us to foster love and affection for one another, solely for the sake of Allah.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 highlights the importance of treating others with fairness and justice, regardless of their beliefs or actions towards us. It reminds us to have a balanced approach in our relationships and to maintain good conduct towards all, for the sake of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to examine our intentions and motivations in our relationships. It reminds us that our love and affection should be solely for the sake of Allah, and not based on personal gain or worldly interests. Similarly, our aversion and dislike should also be solely for the sake of Allah, and not driven by personal grudges or biases.

By adhering to this teaching, we can cultivate a sincere and pure love for our fellow Muslims, regardless of their background or social status. We will be motivated to treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion, seeking their well-being in this world and the Hereafter. Conversely, we will distance ourselves from those who oppose the teachings of Islam and harbor ill intentions towards the believers, while still maintaining justice and fairness in our interactions.

This Hadith also reminds us of the importance of self-reflection and self-accountability. It prompts us to question our own intentions and motivations in our relationships. Are we befriending others solely for the sake of Allah, or are there ulterior motives involved? Are we harboring dislike towards others solely for the sake of Allah, or are personal grievances clouding our judgment? By constantly evaluating our intentions, we can strive towards purifying our hearts and strengthening our connection with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to cultivate sincere love and affection for one another, solely for the sake of Allah. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining pure intentions and motivations in our relationships, and encourages us to distance ourselves from those who oppose the teachings of Islam. By adhering to this teaching, we can foster unity, brotherhood, and righteousness within the Muslim community, while seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our actions. May Allah guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the ability to love and hate solely for His sake.