Hadith #11020

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "النَّصيحَةُ تُثْمِرُ الوُدَّ۔" This can be translated as,

Sincere advice bears the fruit of affection.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (nasīḥah) "نَّصيحَةُ" in this Hadith refers to sincere advice or counsel given with the intention of benefiting others. It encompasses the act of advising, guiding, and counseling someone for their betterment. The term (wudda) "وُدَّ" means affection, love, or friendship. It signifies a deep and genuine bond between individuals.

The importance of sincere advice can be found in the Quran as well. In Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the significance of advising one another towards truth and patience. It highlights that sincere advice is a means of salvation and success in this world and the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 5:2)

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse encourages Muslims to work together in acts of righteousness and piety, which includes advising one another towards goodness. It emphasizes the importance of sincere advice as a means of cooperation and unity among Muslims.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the positive outcome of sincere advice, which is the cultivation of affection and love between individuals. When we genuinely advise others with their best interests at heart, it strengthens the bond of friendship and fosters a sense of care and concern. This is because sincere advice demonstrates our genuine concern for the well-being and success of others.

For example, imagine a friend who is struggling with a bad habit or a harmful behavior. By offering sincere advice and guiding them towards a better path, we show them that we genuinely care about their well-being. This act of sincere advice can lead to a positive change in their life and strengthen the bond of affection between us.

Conversely, if we neglect to offer sincere advice and allow our loved ones to continue on a destructive path, it can lead to harm and strain in our relationships. Sincere advice is not only beneficial for the recipient but also for the one giving it, as it allows us to fulfill our duty as Muslims to enjoin good and forbid evil.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of sincere advice in fostering affection and love among Muslims. It encourages us to actively engage in advising and guiding one another towards righteousness, as this not only benefits the recipient but also strengthens our bonds of friendship and unity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and courage to offer sincere advice and cultivate love and affection within our communities.