Hadith #846

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,

أخُوكَ مُواسيكَ في الشِّدَةِ

which translates to

Your brother is your supporter in times of difficulty.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and unity among Muslims, especially during challenging times.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (your brother) "أخُوكَ" refers to the bond of brotherhood that exists among Muslims. It signifies the strong connection and mutual support that should be present between believers. (your supporter) "مُواسيكَ" refers to someone who provides assistance, comfort, and solace during times of hardship or distress. And (in times of difficulty) "في الشِّدَةِ" refers to the moments of trials and tribulations that individuals may face in their lives.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of brotherhood and unity among Muslims. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers.

This verse highlights the unity and harmony that should exist among believers, urging them to resolve any conflicts or disputes that may arise.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of supporting one another in acts of righteousness and goodness, while also discouraging any form of cooperation in sinful or aggressive behavior.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith highlights the practical application of these Quranic teachings. He reminds Muslims that their fellow believers should be their source of support and comfort during times of difficulty. This support can manifest in various ways, such as offering emotional encouragement, providing material assistance, or offering guidance and advice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this quality of being a supportive brother. His knowledge, wisdom, and guidance were sought after by Muslims during his time and continue to be revered by both Shia and Sunni Muslims today. He was known for his deep understanding of the Quran and his ability to provide insightful solutions to complex problems.

When we reflect on this Hadith, we realize that it encourages us to foster strong bonds of brotherhood within the Muslim community. It reminds us that we should be there for one another, offering support and assistance during times of difficulty. By doing so, we strengthen our unity and create a sense of belonging and security within our community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of brotherhood and support among Muslims. It urges us to be there for one another during times of hardship, providing comfort, assistance, and guidance. By embodying this teaching, we can strengthen our unity as Muslims and create a harmonious and supportive community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us all with the ability to be true brothers and sisters to one another, supporting and uplifting each other in times of difficulty.