Hadith #4477

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who desires your company when you advance [in rank] wishes to keep away from you when you fall.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the nature of human relationships and the importance of sincerity and loyalty.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (raghiba) "رَغِبَ" means to desire or seek, while (iqbalika) "إقْبَالِكَ" refers to advancement or progress. On the other hand, (zahida) "زَهِدَ" means to be indifferent or disinterested, and (idbarika) "إدْبَارِكَ" signifies retreat or decline.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of knowing one another and building relationships based on righteousness. It reminds us that true nobility lies in piety and moral character, not in worldly ranks or positions. Therefore, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that those who seek our company only when we are in a position of power or authority may not have our best interests at heart.

Furthermore, the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2) states,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse highlights the importance of sincere cooperation and support in matters of righteousness. It implies that true companionship is not based on personal gain or self-interest but on shared values and principles.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement sheds light on the transient nature of human relationships. It serves as a cautionary reminder that we should not be swayed by those who seek our company only during times of success and prosperity. True companionship is built on loyalty, sincerity, and a genuine concern for one another's well-being, regardless of the circumstances.

To illustrate this point, let us consider an example from the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself. During his caliphate, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) faced numerous challenges and hardships. Many who had initially professed their loyalty and support turned away from him when the situation became difficult. However, there were a few individuals, such as Malik al-Ashtar, who remained steadfast in their loyalty and support for Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) throughout his life.

The consequences of seeking companionship based on personal gain or self-interest are detrimental to both individuals and society as a whole. It leads to a lack of trust, instability, and a breakdown of genuine relationships. On the other hand, seeking companionship based on shared values and principles fosters unity, cooperation, and a sense of belonging.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to be cautious in their relationships and to seek companionship based on sincerity and loyalty. It highlights the importance of building relationships on shared values and principles rather than worldly ranks or positions. By reflecting on this Hadith and aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can cultivate genuine and lasting companionships that bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and contribute to the betterment of society.