Hadith #765

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

فَقْدُ الإخوانِ مُوهى الجَلَدِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

The loss of one's brothers weakens one's fortitude.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (faqdu) "فَقْدُ" refers to the loss or absence of something or someone. In this context, it signifies the absence of brothers. The word (ikhwan) "إخوانِ" means brothers, but it can also be understood in a broader sense as companions or allies. The term (muha) "مُوهى" is derived from the root word (hawa) "هَوَى", which means to weaken or diminish. Lastly, the word (al-jald) "الجَلَدِ" refers to fortitude or strength.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and unity among Muslims. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the bond of brotherhood that exists among Muslims. It reminds us that we are all part of a larger family, and our unity is essential for the strength and well-being of the Ummah. When we lose this sense of brotherhood, our fortitude and resilience are weakened.

The loss of brothers, whether through physical separation, disagreements, or conflicts, can have profound consequences. It diminishes our collective strength and weakens our ability to face challenges and adversities. When we are divided, we become vulnerable to external influences and internal strife. Our ability to support and uplift one another is compromised, and our overall resilience is undermined.

Furthermore, the loss of brotherhood can have detrimental effects on our spiritual and moral development. In Surah Al-Asr (103:3), Allah says,

Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds and advise each other to truth and advise each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of mutual advice and encouragement towards truth and patience.

When we are surrounded by brothers who remind us of our duties, encourage us to do good, and support us in times of difficulty, we are more likely to stay steadfast on the path of righteousness. However, when we lose this support system, our motivation may wane, and our commitment to fulfilling our obligations may falter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder of the profound impact that the loss of brotherhood can have on an individual's fortitude and resilience. It highlights the importance of fostering and maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood within the Muslim community.

As Muslims, we should strive to strengthen our relationships with our brothers and sisters in faith. We should actively seek opportunities to build bridges, resolve conflicts, and support one another. By doing so, we can enhance our collective strength, fortify our faith, and navigate the challenges of life with greater resilience.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the profound impact that the loss of brotherhood can have on our fortitude and resilience. It emphasizes the importance of fostering strong bonds of brotherhood within the Muslim community and highlights the need for unity, support, and mutual encouragement. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to uphold the values of brotherhood and unity in our lives.