Hadith #10965

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مُواصَلَةُ الأفاضِلِ تُوجِبُ السُّمُوَّ۔

This can be translated as,

Being connected [and keeping ties] with the people of excellence leads to loftiness.

Let us delve into the meanings of some important words in this Hadith. "مُواصَلَةُ" refers to maintaining a connection or bond with someone. It implies actively seeking to remain in touch and fostering relationships. "الأفاضِلِ" refers to the people of excellence or virtue. These are individuals who possess noble qualities, such as knowledge, piety, and good character. "تُوجِبُ" means to necessitate or bring about. And "السُّمُوَّ" refers to loftiness, elevation, or a high rank.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining ties and connections with others in Surah Al-Isra (17:23):

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 significance of maintaining good relations with our parents, who are undoubtedly among the people of excellence. It teaches us to speak to them with kindness and respect, even in difficult situations. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty towards our parents but also attain a higher level of spirituality and moral elevation.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining ties with relatives in Surah Al-Anfal (8:41):

And know that anything you obtain of war booty - then indeed, for Allah is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and the orphans, the needy, and the [stranded] traveler, if you have believed in Allah and in that which We sent down to Our Servant on the day of criterion - the day when the two armies met. And Allah, over all things, is competent.

This verse highlights the obligation of supporting and maintaining ties with the near relatives of the Prophet (ﷺ), who are undoubtedly among the people of excellence. By fulfilling this duty, Muslims not only demonstrate their faith in Allah and His Messenger but also contribute to the betterment of society and the elevation of their own souls.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining connections with the people of excellence. By actively seeking to remain connected with individuals who possess virtuous qualities, we can benefit from their knowledge, wisdom, and guidance. This connection can lead to personal growth, spiritual elevation, and the attainment of a higher rank in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

For example, if we surround ourselves with knowledgeable scholars, we can learn from their insights and deepen our understanding of Islam. If we maintain ties with pious individuals, we can be inspired by their devotion and strive to improve our own spiritual state. If we seek the company of those with good character, we can be influenced by their noble traits and develop our own moral excellence.

Conversely, neglecting to maintain connections with the people of excellence can have detrimental consequences. We may miss out on valuable opportunities for growth and guidance. We may become isolated and disconnected from the collective wisdom and spirituality of the Muslim community. This can hinder our personal development and prevent us from reaching our full potential as Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of actively maintaining ties with the people of excellence. By seeking connections with those who possess virtuous qualities, we can benefit from their knowledge, wisdom, and guidance. This connection can lead to personal growth, spiritual elevation, and the attainment of a higher rank in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Conversely, neglecting these connections can have detrimental consequences, hindering our personal development and isolating us from the collective wisdom and spirituality of the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and motivation to actively seek connections with the people of excellence and elevate our spiritual ranks.