Hadith #9977

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, the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "كُلُّ قَريب دان۔" This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims. Let us delve into its exegesis and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (qareeb) "قَرِيب" in Arabic means "near" or "close." It refers to someone who is physically or emotionally close to us, such as family members, friends, or acquaintances. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that every near one is close by, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong bonds and connections with those who are near to us.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers.

This verse emphasizes the unity and brotherhood among Muslims, highlighting the importance of resolving conflicts and maintaining harmonious relationships with our fellow believers. It reminds us that every near one is close by, and we should strive to strengthen our bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:23), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.

This verse highlights the importance of honoring and respecting our parents, who are among the closest individuals to us. It reminds us that every near one is close by, and we should fulfill our duties towards our parents with kindness and respect.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us that maintaining strong relationships with those who are near to us is not only a social obligation but also a spiritual one. By nurturing these connections, we create an atmosphere of love, compassion, and support within our communities. Our actions towards those who are close to us have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only our immediate relationships but also the wider society.

For example, when we treat our family members with kindness and respect, we create a harmonious and loving environment at home. This, in turn, has a positive influence on the upbringing of our children, fostering their emotional well-being and nurturing their Islamic values. Similarly, when we maintain strong bonds with our friends and neighbors, we build a sense of unity and solidarity within our communities, promoting cooperation and mutual support.

On the other hand, neglecting or severing ties with those who are near to us can have detrimental effects. It can lead to feelings of isolation, bitterness, and division within families and communities. It can also hinder the spread of Islamic values and the growth of the ummah as a whole.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the immense wisdom and knowledge possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His profound understanding of human relationships and the importance of maintaining close connections serves as a guiding light for all Muslims. It encourages us to prioritize our relationships, invest time and effort in nurturing them, and strive for unity and harmony within our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that every near one is close by. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining strong bonds and connections with those who are near to us, be it our family, friends, or fellow believers. By nurturing these relationships, we create a harmonious and loving environment, fostering unity and cooperation within our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying the teachings of this Hadith and help us strengthen our relationships for the sake of His pleasure.