Hadith #10809

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالتَّوَدُّدِ تَكُونُ المَحَبَّةُ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Through affection comes love.

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

The word (tawaddud) "تَوَدُّدِ" is derived from the root word (wadd) "وَدّ", which means affection, love, or kindness. It refers to the act of showing love and affection towards others. This word emphasizes the importance of expressing love and kindness in building strong relationships within the Muslim community.

The Hadith highlights the significance of affection as the foundation of love. It teaches us that love is not merely a feeling, but rather a result of actively demonstrating affection towards others. This affection can be expressed through acts of kindness, compassion, and empathy. When we show genuine care and concern for others, it creates a bond of love and strengthens the unity of the Muslim ummah.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of affection leading to love. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Rum (30:21),

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 affection and mercy in the marital relationship, which is the foundation of a loving and harmonious family.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Shura (42:23), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Say, 'I do not ask you for it any payment, but only that whoever wills might take to his Lord a way.'

This verse highlights the selflessness of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his sincere affection towards the people. His love for the ummah was not driven by personal gain or materialistic desires, but rather by his genuine care and concern for their well-being.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to cultivate affection in their interactions with others. When we show love and kindness to our fellow Muslims, it fosters a sense of unity, brotherhood, and mutual respect. This affectionate approach creates an environment where love can flourish, leading to stronger bonds within the Muslim community.

By practicing affection, we can overcome divisions, misunderstandings, and conflicts that may arise among Muslims. When we approach others with love and kindness, we are more likely to resolve differences peacefully and maintain harmonious relationships. This not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the overall fabric of the Muslim ummah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that through affection comes love. It emphasizes the importance of actively demonstrating love and kindness towards others in order to build strong relationships within the Muslim community. By following this guidance, we can foster unity, harmony, and mutual respect among Muslims, leading to a stronger and more cohesive ummah. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice affection and cultivate love within our hearts and communities.