Hadith #727

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

ثَمَرَةُ الاُخُوَّةِ حِفْظُ الغَيبِ وإهْداءُ العَيْبِ۔

This can be translated as,

The fruit of brotherhood is [in] protecting [the reputation of one’s brother in] his absence and presenting his faults to him [so that he may correct himself].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound Hadith in the light of the Quran. The word (fruit) "ثَمَرَةُ" signifies the outcome or result of something. In this context, it refers to the positive outcomes that arise from true brotherhood. (brotherhood) "الاُخُوَّةِ" refers to the bond and relationship between believers, which is based on love, compassion, and mutual support.

The first part of the Hadith emphasizes the importance of protecting the reputation of our brothers in their absence. This means that we should not engage in backbiting or spreading rumors about them. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in the Quran in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12),

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

The second part of the Hadith highlights the importance of presenting the faults of our brothers to them in a constructive manner. This means that we should advise and guide them towards rectifying their mistakes, with the intention of helping them improve themselves. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages this in the Quran in Surah Al-Asr (103:3),

Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds and advise each other to truth and advise each other to patience.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true brotherhood is not limited to merely protecting each other's reputation, but also involves guiding and supporting one another in the journey towards self-improvement. By presenting the faults of our brothers to them in a sincere and compassionate manner, we help them recognize their shortcomings and encourage them to rectify their behavior.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong bond of brotherhood within the Muslim community. It teaches us to be mindful of our words and actions, and to always strive for the betterment of our fellow believers. By protecting the reputation of our brothers and advising them in a gentle and sincere manner, we contribute to the growth and unity of the Muslim ummah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of true brotherhood in Islam. It urges us to protect the reputation of our brothers in their absence and to guide them towards self-improvement by presenting their faults to them. By following these teachings, we can foster a strong and united Muslim community, based on love, compassion, and mutual support. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the true spirit of brotherhood and strengthen our bonds with one another.