Hadith #3400

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

The hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of consolidating good and righteousness in our relationships. It highlights four key principles: making friendship for the sake of Allah, making enmity for the sake of Allah, loving for the sake of Allah, and hating for the sake of Allah.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of these principles and their significance in the light of the Quran.

Firstly, the consolidation of good is in making friendship for the sake of Allah. This means that our friendships and alliances should be based on seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our companions should be those who share the same values and principles as us, and who encourage us towards righteousness and piety. Allah says in the Quran:

(Quran 25:27-29)

And the Day the wrongdoer will bite on his hands [in regret] he will say, 'Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way. Oh, woe to me! I wish I had not taken that one as a friend. He led me away from the remembrance after it had come to me. And ever is Satan, to man, a deserter.'

This verse highlights the regret of those who chose the wrong companions in this world. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous individuals who will guide us towards the path of Allah.

Secondly, making enmity for the sake of Allah means that we should oppose and distance ourselves from those who are enemies of Allah and His religion. This does not imply harboring personal grudges or engaging in unnecessary conflicts, but rather standing up against injustice and falsehood. Allah says in the Quran:

(Quran 58:22)

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. Those - He has decreed within their hearts faith and supported them with spirit from Him. And We will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally. Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him - those are the party of Allah. Unquestionably, the party of Allah - they are the successful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of loyalty to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) above all other relationships. It reminds us that true believers cannot have affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger.

Thirdly, loving for the sake of Allah means that our love for others should be rooted in our love for Allah. We should love those who are righteous and strive to please Allah. This love should transcend personal interests and be based on seeking the pleasure of Allah. Allah says in the Quran:

(Quran 3:31)

Say, [O Muhammad], 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'

This verse highlights the link between our love for Allah and our obedience to His Messenger (ﷺ). It teaches us that our love for Allah should manifest in following the example of the Prophet (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Lastly, hating for the sake of Allah means that we should detest and distance ourselves from actions and behaviors that are displeasing to Allah. This includes hating sins, injustice, and oppression. Our hatred should be for the sake of upholding the truth and promoting righteousness. Allah says in the Quran:

(Quran 5:8)

And let not your hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse reminds us that our hatred should not lead us to injustice or unfair treatment. We should hate the actions, not the individuals, and strive to be just in all our dealings.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of consolidating good in our relationships. It emphasizes the need to base our friendships on seeking the pleasure of Allah, to oppose those who are enemies of Allah and His religion, to love for the sake of Allah, and to hate for the sake of Allah. By adhering to these principles, we can cultivate a righteous and balanced approach to our interactions with others, ultimately seeking the pleasure of Allah in all that we do. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.