Hadith #10817

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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, "الْمَوَدَّةُ نَسَبٌ مُسْتَفَادٌ" which translates to

Friendship is an acquired affinity.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds profound wisdom and provides guidance on the nature and importance of friendship in our lives.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (al-mawaddah) "الْمَوَدَّةُ" refers to friendship, love, or affection. It encompasses a deep bond and sincere connection between individuals. (nasab) "نَسَبٌ" signifies lineage or kinship, indicating that friendship is not merely based on blood relations but can be cultivated and nurtured. Finally, (mustafad) "مُسْتَفَادٌ" means acquired or obtained, highlighting that friendship is something that can be developed and earned.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of friendship and companionship in several verses. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:73), Allah says,

And those who believed and emigrated and fought in the cause of Allah and those who gave shelter and aided - it is they who are the believers, truly. For them is forgiveness and noble provision.

This verse highlights the companionship and support among the believers, which is a manifestation of friendship.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of friendship is found in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), where Allah says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse encourages Muslims to maintain good relations and treat others with fairness, even if they do not share the same faith. It emphasizes the importance of fostering positive relationships and extending friendship beyond religious boundaries.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. By stating that friendship is an acquired affinity, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true friendship is not based solely on external factors such as blood ties or social status. Rather, it is a bond that is built through mutual understanding, trust, and shared values. It is a relationship that is nurtured and cultivated over time, requiring effort and investment from both parties.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the importance of choosing our friends wisely. Just as we acquire knowledge and skills through deliberate effort, we must also be intentional in selecting the companions who will influence our character and actions. The company we keep has a profound impact on our spiritual, emotional, and intellectual growth. Therefore, it is crucial to surround ourselves with individuals who inspire us to be better Muslims and strive for righteousness.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages us to actively seek out opportunities to develop friendships and build bridges of understanding with others. It reminds us that friendship is not limited to those who are similar to us in terms of background or beliefs. Rather, it is a universal concept that transcends boundaries and embraces diversity. By cultivating friendships with people from different walks of life, we broaden our perspectives, learn from one another, and contribute to a more harmonious society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that friendship is not merely a result of chance or circumstance. It is an acquired affinity that requires effort, sincerity, and a conscious choice to build meaningful connections with others. By reflecting on the wisdom of this Hadith and aligning our actions with its teachings, we can cultivate genuine friendships that bring us closer to Allah and contribute to the betterment of our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in choosing righteous companions and bless us with sincere and lasting friendships.