Hadith #2888

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his righteous companions.

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

أوْلَى النّاسِ بِنا مَنْ والانا، وعادا مَنْ عادانا۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of loyalty and enmity in relation to the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (awla) "أوْلَى" means "nearest" or "closest." It signifies a deep and intimate connection. In this context, it refers to the individuals who are closest to the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in terms of their loyalty and support. The word (walana) "وَالَانَا" comes from the root word (wali) "وَلِي", which means "to support" or

to be a friend.

It signifies the act of standing by the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and being their true supporters. On the other hand, the word (aada) "عَادَا" comes from the root word (ada) "عَدَا", which means "to have enmity" or "to oppose." It refers to those who harbor enmity towards the enemies of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:55),

Your ally is none but Allah and [therefore] His Messenger and those who have believed - those who establish prayer and give zakah, and they bow [in worship].

This verse highlights the importance of having Allah, His Messenger, and the believers as our allies. It emphasizes the need for loyalty and support towards the righteous.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred.

This verse highlights the principle of enmity towards those who oppose Allah and His Messenger. It emphasizes that true believers cannot have affection for those who stand against the truth.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The nearest of people to the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) are those who wholeheartedly support and stand by them. This support is not limited to mere words, but it encompasses actions and dedication. These individuals are loyal to the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in their beliefs, actions, and interactions with others.

On the other hand, those who have enmity towards the enemies of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) are also considered close to them. This enmity is not driven by personal grudges or animosity, but rather by a deep-rooted commitment to justice and truth. These individuals actively oppose the enemies of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to uphold their principles and teachings.

By emphasizing the importance of loyalty and enmity, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of standing up for what is right and opposing what is wrong. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to align themselves with the righteous and to distance themselves from those who oppose the truth. It encourages us to be proactive in supporting the cause of justice and to actively oppose injustice and oppression.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of loyalty and enmity in relation to the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). It calls upon us to be the closest to them by wholeheartedly supporting their cause and actively opposing their enemies. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the need for believers to have Allah, His Messenger, and the righteous as their allies. May we strive to be among those who are nearest to the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) through our unwavering loyalty and enmity for their enemies.