Hadith #4358

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the repugnance of severing ties after establishing them, the ugliness of alienation after brotherhood, the bitterness of enmity after goodwill, and the sorrow of losing affinity after it had been strengthened.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the key words used in this Hadith. The word (qati'ah) "قَطيعَةَ" refers to the act of cutting off or severing ties. It signifies the abrupt termination of relationships, whether they be familial, social, or even spiritual. The word (jafa') "جَفاءَ" means alienation or estrangement, indicating the state of being distant or disconnected from someone with whom one was previously close. (adawwah) "عَداوَةَ" refers to enmity or animosity, representing the hostility and ill-will that replaces the previous goodwill and harmony. Lastly, (ulfah) "اُلْفَةِ" signifies affinity or close friendship, which is lost when it weakens or disappears.

To understand the significance of these concepts, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining family ties in Surah An-Nisa, verse 1, where He says,

And fear Allah through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

This verse highlights the obligation to maintain ties of kinship and the importance of unity within the family.

Similarly, the Quran emphasizes the value of brotherhood and unity among Muslims in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 10, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, the believers are brothers. So make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse encourages Muslims to reconcile any conflicts and promote harmony within the community.

Furthermore, the Quran warns against the consequences of enmity and hatred in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, verse 8, where 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 reminds Muslims to treat others with fairness and justice, even those who may not share the same beliefs.

Reflecting on the thought-provoking words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we realize the immense wisdom and guidance contained within this Hadith. Cutting off ties after establishing them not only goes against the teachings of Islam but also leads to the breakdown of families, communities, and societies. Alienation after brotherhood erodes the bonds of unity and weakens the fabric of society. Enmity after goodwill destroys the spirit of compassion and empathy that should exist between individuals. And the disappearance of affinity after it had been strengthened causes deep sorrow and loss.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of nurturing and preserving relationships. He teaches us that maintaining ties, fostering brotherhood, promoting goodwill, and strengthening affinity are essential for the well-being and harmony of society. By adhering to these principles, we can build a strong and united Muslim community, based on love, compassion, and understanding.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and enable us to establish and maintain strong bonds of kinship, brotherhood, and friendship. May He protect us from the ugliness of cutting off ties, alienation, enmity, and the disappearance of affinity. Ameen.