Hadith #6818

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his companions.

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

بِحُسْنِ العِشْرَةِ تَدُومُ المَوَدَّةُ۔

This can be translated as,

Through good social interaction, affection lasts.

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

The word (husn) "حُسْنِ" in this Hadith refers to goodness, excellence, or beauty. It encompasses all positive qualities and actions that contribute to a harmonious and pleasant social interaction. It includes being kind, considerate, respectful, and compassionate towards others. It also involves maintaining good manners, practicing patience, and showing empathy in our dealings with others.

The term (al-'ishra) "العِشْرَةِ" refers to social interaction or companionship. It signifies the relationships we form with others, whether they are family, friends, colleagues, or acquaintances. It encompasses the way we communicate, support, and engage with others in our daily lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that through good social interaction, (tadūmu al-mawaddah) "تَدُومُ المَوَدَّةُ", which means affection or love endures. This highlights the importance of maintaining positive relationships and fostering love and affection among Muslims.

The Quran supports this concept of good social interaction and its role in nurturing lasting affection. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the unity and brotherhood among believers and encourages them to resolve conflicts and maintain peaceful relationships. By doing so, they will earn the mercy of Allah and strengthen the bonds of affection among themselves.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Rum (30:21), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 highlights the divine wisdom behind the creation of spouses and the establishment of affection and mercy between them. It emphasizes the importance of love and compassion in marital relationships, which are essential for finding tranquility and happiness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that by practicing good social interaction, we can cultivate lasting affection and love among Muslims. When we treat others with kindness, respect, and empathy, we create an environment of harmony and unity. This, in turn, strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community.

For example, when we greet our fellow Muslims with a warm smile and a sincere "Salam," we are fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. When we lend a helping hand to those in need, we are demonstrating compassion and empathy. When we listen attentively to others and offer words of encouragement, we are showing respect and support. These acts of goodness and kindness contribute to the growth of affection and love among Muslims.

Conversely, if we neglect good social interaction and engage in negative behavior such as backbiting, gossiping, or spreading discord, we weaken the bonds of affection and create divisions within the community. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against such actions in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), saying,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of good social interaction in nurturing lasting affection and love among Muslims. By practicing kindness, respect, and empathy in our relationships, we contribute to the unity and harmony of the Muslim community. Let us strive to embody these qualities in our interactions with others, following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate and maintain strong bonds of affection and love among ourselves.