Hadith #10814

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الْمَوَدَّةُ نَسَبٌ" which translates to "Friendship is affinity." This concise statement holds profound wisdom and highlights the importance of friendship and its connection to our inherent human nature.

The word (mawaddah) "مَوَدَّةُ" refers to a deep and sincere affection, love, and friendship. It goes beyond mere acquaintanceship or casual relationships. It signifies a bond that is rooted in genuine care, compassion, and loyalty. This word is derived from the root word "وَدَّ" which means to love intensely and to have a strong inclination towards someone.

The word (nasab) "نَسَبٌ" means lineage or kinship. It refers to the natural connection and affinity that exists between individuals who share a common ancestry or bloodline. This connection is not limited to biological relationships but also extends to spiritual and emotional connections.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of friendship and companionship in several verses. For example, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:73), Allah says,

And those who believed and emigrated and fought in the cause of Allah and those who gave shelter and aided - it is they who are the believers, truly. For them is forgiveness and noble provision.

This verse highlights the bond of brotherhood and friendship that existed among the early Muslims. They supported and protected one another, demonstrating the true essence of friendship. Their unity and love for one another were not merely based on shared beliefs and goals but were deeply rooted in their faith and devotion to Allah.

Another verse that sheds light on the significance of friendship is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:55), where Allah 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 emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companions and allies. It encourages Muslims to surround themselves with individuals who are devoted to their faith, establish prayer, and fulfill their obligations to Allah. Such companionship strengthens one's faith, provides support, and helps in spiritual growth.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, "Friendship is affinity," further emphasizes the significance of choosing friends wisely. It reminds us that true friendship goes beyond superficial connections and is based on shared values, beliefs, and a sincere desire for the well-being of one another.

When we develop deep and meaningful friendships, we create a support system that uplifts us in times of difficulty, guides us towards righteousness, and encourages us to strive for excellence. True friends are those who remind us of our purpose, motivate us to be better, and stand by us through thick and thin.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening saying also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strong bonds within the Muslim community. It encourages Muslims to foster unity, love, and compassion among themselves, regardless of their backgrounds or differences. By doing so, we strengthen the fabric of our community and create an environment of support and harmony.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true friendship is not merely a superficial connection but a deep and sincere bond rooted in love, care, and loyalty. It reminds us of the importance of choosing righteous companions and fostering unity within the Muslim community. By following this guidance, we can cultivate meaningful relationships that bring us closer to Allah and contribute to our spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with true and sincere friendships and enable us to be the best of companions to one another.