Hadith #736

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the importance of establishing brotherhood solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). He states that any community or group that forms a bond of brotherhood with each other, not for the pleasure and sake of Allah, will find their brotherhood counted as a sin against them on the Day of Judgment, when their deeds are presented before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (tawaakha) "تَواخى" refers to establishing brotherhood or forming a close bond with one another. It implies a sincere and genuine connection based on mutual love, support, and unity. The word (dhaatillah) "ذاتِ اللّه" refers to seeking the pleasure and satisfaction of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as the sole motivation behind this brotherhood. It emphasizes that the intention and purpose of forming such a bond should be solely for the sake of Allah, seeking His pleasure and following His commandments.

To further understand the significance of establishing brotherhood for the sake of Allah, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10):

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the unity and brotherhood among the believers, highlighting the importance of resolving conflicts and disputes among them. It also reminds us to fear Allah and seek His mercy in our interactions with one another.

Another verse that supports the concept of establishing brotherhood for the sake of Allah 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 encourages Muslims to obey Allah and His Messenger, and to avoid disputes and disagreements that can weaken the unity and strength of the community. It emphasizes the need for patience and perseverance in maintaining brotherhood and unity.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith. He warns us that if a community establishes brotherhood for any other reason than seeking the pleasure of Allah, it will be counted as a sin against them on the Day of Judgment. This serves as a reminder that our intentions and motivations should always be pure and focused on pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is known for his profound knowledge and understanding of the teachings of Islam. His words in this Hadith highlight the importance of sincerity and purity in our actions and relationships. It reminds us that true brotherhood is not based on worldly gains, personal interests, or tribal affiliations, but rather on the shared belief in Allah and His Messenger.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of establishing brotherhood solely for the sake of Allah. It warns that any brotherhood formed for other reasons will be counted as a sin on the Day of Judgment. As Muslims, we should strive to cultivate sincere and genuine bonds of brotherhood, rooted in the love and obedience of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us to always seek His pleasure in our relationships and actions, and may He unite the hearts of all Muslims in true brotherhood.