Hadith #10830

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

كُلُّ مَوَدَّة مَبْنِيَّة عَلى غَيْرِ ذاتِ اللّهِ ضَلالٌ والاِعْتِمادُ عَلَيْها مُحالٌ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of the foundation of friendship and affection being based on seeking proximity to Allah. It warns that any friendship or affection built on other than this foundation is a form of misguidance, and relying on such relationships is impossible.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word (muwaddah) "مَوَدَّة" refers to friendship, affection, or love. It encompasses the bond between individuals that is characterized by care, compassion, and support. The word (mabniyyah) "مَبْنِيَّة" means "built upon" or "founded on." It highlights the importance of the underlying basis or principle upon which a relationship is established.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that any friendship or affection that is not founded on seeking proximity to Allah is a form of misguidance. This means that if the primary motive behind a friendship is worldly gains, personal interests, or materialistic desires, it deviates from the true purpose of human relationships. Islam teaches us that the ultimate goal of our actions and relationships should be to seek the pleasure of Allah and to attain His nearness.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. For example, 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 emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah as our ultimate ally and foundation in our relationships. It highlights the significance of faith, prayer, and acts of worship as the basis for true friendship and affection. When we establish our relationships on the principles of faith and obedience to Allah, we align ourselves with the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46):

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse reminds us of the importance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger in maintaining strong and lasting relationships. When we prioritize our obedience to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), we strengthen our bonds with others who share the same commitment. This obedience becomes the foundation upon which our friendships are built, leading to harmony, trust, and mutual support.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that relying on friendships or affections that are not founded on seeking proximity to Allah is impossible. This means that if we rely solely on worldly relationships, devoid of spiritual connection and shared values, we will eventually find ourselves disappointed and let down. Such relationships lack the divine guidance and blessings that come from seeking Allah's pleasure.

To illustrate this, let us consider an example. Imagine two individuals who are friends solely because of their shared love for material possessions and worldly success. They may enjoy temporary benefits and pleasures, but when faced with challenges or hardships, their friendship will prove to be fragile and shallow. However, if their friendship is rooted in seeking proximity to Allah, their bond will be fortified by mutual support, patience, and reliance on Allah's guidance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to establish their friendships and affections on the foundation of seeking proximity to Allah. By prioritizing obedience to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), we ensure that our relationships are guided by divine principles and values. This leads to lasting bonds, spiritual growth, and the attainment of Allah's pleasure. May Allah guide us all to establish our relationships on the basis of seeking His nearness and bless us with sincere and righteous companionship.