Hadith #7902

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

مَنْ أحْسَنَ الوَفاءَ اِسْتَحَقَّ الاِصْطِفاءَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is unwaveringly loyal deserves to be chosen [as a friend].

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran. The word (ahsan) "أحْسَنَ" means to excel, to be the best, or to do something in the most excellent manner. The word (al-wafa) "الوَفاءَ" refers to loyalty, faithfulness, and fulfilling one's commitments. And the word (istahaqqa) "اِسْتَحَقَّ" means to deserve or to be worthy of something.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of loyalty and fulfilling one's commitments. In Surah Al-Isra (17:34), Allah says,

And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse highlights the significance of fulfilling our promises and remaining loyal to our commitments.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1), Allah commands the believers,

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling contracts and agreements, which is an essential aspect of loyalty.

Imam Ali's statement emphasizes that those who excel in loyalty and fulfill their commitments are deserving of being chosen as friends. This means that individuals who are consistently loyal and trustworthy are the ones who should be preferred as companions and allies.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, and his statement reflects his deep understanding of the importance of loyalty in relationships. He recognized that loyalty is a fundamental quality that strengthens bonds and fosters trust among individuals.

When we analyze the consequences of being unwaveringly loyal, we find that it leads to the establishment of strong and lasting relationships. When people know that they can rely on someone's loyalty, they feel secure and confident in their presence. This creates an environment of trust and mutual support, which is essential for personal and collective growth.

Moreover, being loyal and fulfilling commitments is not limited to human relationships alone. It extends to our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as well. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah says,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights that true righteousness lies in fulfilling promises and being loyal to one's commitments. It encompasses not only fulfilling our obligations towards fellow human beings but also towards Allah and His commands.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's statement, we realize the importance of cultivating loyalty in our lives. We should strive to be unwaveringly loyal in our relationships, fulfilling our commitments, and being trustworthy individuals. By doing so, we not only strengthen our bonds with others but also earn the favor and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's beautiful saying reminds us of the significance of loyalty in our lives. By being unwaveringly loyal and fulfilling our commitments, we become deserving of being chosen as friends and allies. This principle is rooted in the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of fulfilling promises and being loyal in our relationships. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to excel in loyalty and be deserving of His favor.