Hadith #10834

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,

مَنْ وادَّكَ لأمْر وَلّى عِنْدَ اِنْقِضائِهِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who befriends you for a [specific] objective, turns his back [on you] once it is accomplished.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (waddaka) "وادَّكَ" in the Hadith refers to someone who befriends or associates with you. This word implies a temporary connection, a relationship formed for a specific purpose or objective. It highlights the superficiality of such friendships, which are driven by personal gain rather than genuine care and concern.

The phrase (li-amr) "لأمْر" signifies the objective or purpose for which the person befriends you. It could be a material gain, a favor, or any other self-serving motive. This indicates that the person's intention is not rooted in sincerity or genuine friendship, but rather in personal interest.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states, (wallya 'inda inqida'ih) "وَلّى عِنْدَ اِنْقِضائِهِ", which means that once the objective is accomplished, the person turns their back on you. This implies that the so-called friend abandons the relationship as soon as they no longer need anything from you. Their loyalty was never genuine, and their friendship was merely a means to an end.

To understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the dangers of insincere friendships. In Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships based on righteousness and justice. It encourages Muslims to treat others with kindness and fairness, regardless of their faith or background. It reminds us that true friendship is not conditional or driven by personal gain, but rather rooted in sincerity and mutual respect.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:55), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Your ally is none but Allah and [therefore] His Messenger and those who have believed - those who establish prayer and give zakah, and they bow [in worship].

This verse highlights the importance of seeking true allies and companionship in Allah, His Messenger (ﷺ), and the believers who uphold their religious obligations. It reminds us that our ultimate loyalty should be to Allah and those who are sincerely devoted to Him. True friends are those who support us in our spiritual journey and help us grow closer to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious in forming relationships. It warns us against being deceived by those who befriend us for personal gain, only to abandon us once their objectives are fulfilled. It encourages us to seek genuine friendships based on sincerity, righteousness, and mutual respect.

This Hadith also teaches us the importance of discernment and wisdom in choosing our companions. We should strive to surround ourselves with individuals who share our values, support our spiritual growth, and genuinely care for our well-being. By doing so, we can cultivate meaningful relationships that are built on trust, loyalty, and the pursuit of righteousness.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in forming sincere and righteous friendships, and protect us from the deceit of those who befriend us for personal gain. May He grant us the wisdom to discern between genuine companions and those who are insincere. Ameen.