Hadith #677

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of holding on to every friend who stands by us during difficult times and benefits us in times of distress. To fully understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words and phrases.

The word (tamassak) "تَمَسَّكْ" means to hold on firmly or to cling to something. It implies a strong attachment and reliance on someone or something. In this context, it refers to the importance of maintaining a close bond with those friends who support and benefit us during challenging times.

The word (sadeeq) "صَديق" translates to friend. However, it is important to note that in Islamic terminology, a true friend is not merely someone we spend time with or share common interests with, but rather someone who is sincere, trustworthy, and supportive. A true friend is one who stands by us during hardships and brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The phrase (afadatkahu ash-shiddah) "أفادَتْكَهُ الشِّدَّةُ" can be translated as

who is brought close to you by hard times

or

who benefits you in times of distress.

This phrase highlights the significance of those friends who prove their loyalty and support when we face difficulties. These friends are a source of comfort, guidance, and assistance during challenging moments.

To further understand the importance of holding on to such friends, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Balad (90:10-11),

And shown him the two ways? But he has not broken through the difficult pass.

These verses remind us of the trials and tribulations we face in life. During such times, having supportive friends who help us navigate through the challenges is crucial.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Asr (103:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking advice and support from righteous individuals who encourage us towards truth and patience. These are the friends Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to hold on to.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to reflect on the qualities of our friends and assess their impact on our lives. True friends are not just there for the good times but prove their worth during difficult moments. They offer guidance, support, and comfort when we need it most. By holding on to such friends, we strengthen our own faith, resilience, and ability to overcome challenges.

Moreover, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of being a true friend ourselves. Just as we seek friends who benefit us in times of distress, we should strive to be that source of support for others. By being there for our friends during their hardships, we fulfill the teachings of Islam and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of holding on to friends who stand by us during difficult times and benefit us in times of distress. These friends are a source of comfort, guidance, and support, and their presence in our lives strengthens our faith and resilience. Let us strive to be true friends ourselves and cherish the bonds of friendship that bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with sincere and supportive friendships.