Hadith #6810

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims to uphold the principles of unity, compassion, and righteousness within the community. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its important words and drawing upon the teachings of the Quran to gain a deeper understanding.

The first word we encounter is (tadabbur) "تَدَابُرَ", which means to reflect upon, ponder, and contemplate. This word emphasizes the importance of deepening our understanding of the teachings of Islam and the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly encourages us in the Quran to reflect upon His signs and revelations. For example, in Surah Al-Imran (3:190), Allah says,

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.

This verse reminds us of the significance of contemplating the signs of Allah in order to strengthen our faith and gain wisdom.

The second word is (taqaṭuʿa) "تَقَاطُعَ", which means to sever ties or cut off relationships. This word warns against the destructive act of breaking bonds with one another. Islam places great emphasis on maintaining strong family and community ties. In Surah Muhammad (47:22-23), Allah says,

So do not weaken and call for peace while you are superior; and Allah is with you and will never deprive you of [the reward of] your deeds. [This] worldly life is only amusement and diversion. And if you believe and fear Allah, He will give you your rewards and not ask you for your properties.

This verse highlights the importance of unity and cooperation among Muslims, reminding us that true success lies in maintaining strong bonds and working together for the sake of Allah.

The third word is (taraka) "تَرْكَ", which means to abandon or neglect. In this context, it refers to neglecting the duty of enjoining good and prohibiting evil. Islam teaches us to actively promote righteousness and discourage wrongdoing within our communities. In Surah Al-Imran (3:104), Allah says,

And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of actively promoting goodness and discouraging evil, as it is a collective responsibility of the Muslim community. Neglecting this duty can lead to the deterioration of moral values and the spread of corruption.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a comprehensive guide for Muslims to maintain unity, strengthen relationships, and uphold the principles of righteousness. By reflecting upon the teachings of the Quran, we can understand the motivations behind these instructions. Neglecting to reflect upon the Quranic teachings can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations, which can ultimately result in divisions within the Muslim community.

The consequences of turning our backs on each other, cutting off ties, and neglecting the duty of enjoining good and prohibiting evil are detrimental to both individuals and the community as a whole. It leads to a breakdown in communication, trust, and cooperation, hindering progress and unity. Conversely, by actively reflecting upon the Quran, maintaining strong relationships, and fulfilling our duty to promote righteousness, we can foster a harmonious and prosperous community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for all Muslims to reflect upon the teachings of Islam, maintain strong bonds with one another, and actively promote righteousness within our communities. By adhering to these principles, we can strive towards unity, harmony, and the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny.