Hadith #4324

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

رُبَّ مُواصَلَة خَيْرٌ مِنْها القَطيعَةُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Many ties are better to cut off than to keep.

Let us delve into the meaning of this impactful saying . The word (muwasalah) "مُواصَلَة" refers to maintaining connections and relationships, while (al-qati'ah) "القَطيعَة" means cutting off or severing ties. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the importance of discernment in maintaining relationships.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of maintaining family ties and social bonds in several verses. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 1, Allah says,

O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

This verse highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of maintaining family ties.

Furthermore, in Surah Ar-Rum, verse 21, Allah says,

And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong bonds of love and mercy within the family unit.

However, there are instances where maintaining certain relationships can be detrimental to one's well-being, faith, or moral values. In such cases, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises that it is better to cut off those ties. This does not mean severing all connections without reason, but rather making a wise and discerning decision based on the circumstances.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also addresses this aspect in the Quran. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 28, Allah says,

And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward.

This verse reminds us that worldly attachments, including relationships, can sometimes become a test for us. If a relationship becomes a source of harm or leads us away from the path of righteousness, it is better to cut off that tie for the sake of our own spiritual and emotional well-being.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that maintaining relationships should not be done blindly, but with wisdom and discernment. It is crucial to evaluate the impact of a relationship on our faith, values, and overall well-being. If a relationship hinders our growth or leads us astray, it is better to cut off that tie, even if it may seem difficult or painful at first.

By emphasizing the importance of discernment in maintaining relationships, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to prioritize their spiritual and emotional well-being. This Hadith teaches us the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive influences and avoiding relationships that may lead us away from the path of righteousness. It reminds us to seek guidance from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in navigating the complexities of human connections.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to exercise discernment in maintaining relationships. While maintaining family ties and social bonds is highly encouraged in Islam, it is equally important to evaluate the impact of these relationships on our faith and well-being. If a relationship becomes detrimental to our spiritual growth or moral values, it is better to cut off that tie for the sake of our own well-being. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern and maintain healthy relationships that bring us closer to Him.