Hadith #635

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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 states,

Worldly brothers are such that their affection is cut off as quickly as its causes are severed.

Let us delve into the meaning and implications of this statement in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The term "إخوانُ الدُّنيا" refers to the worldly brothers, those whose relationship is solely based on worldly interests and benefits. These individuals form temporary bonds that are easily broken when the causes that brought them together cease to exist. The word "مَوَدَّتُهُمْ" signifies affection or love, which in this context refers to the superficial and transient love that exists between such individuals. Finally, the phrase "سُرْعَةِ انْقِطاعِ أسبابِها" means the quickness with which their affection is cut off as soon as the reasons for their association disappear.

To further understand the implications of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

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

This verse highlights the importance of genuine brotherhood among believers, which is rooted in faith and righteousness. Unlike the worldly brothers mentioned in the Hadith, the bond of brotherhood among Muslims is based on a shared belief in Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), and it is not easily severed.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:103), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.

This verse emphasizes the unity and cohesion of the Muslim community, urging believers to remain united and not let their relationships be severed due to worldly causes. The "rope of Allah" symbolizes the Quran and the teachings of Islam, which serve as a unifying force for Muslims.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the nature of their relationships. It warns against forming alliances based solely on worldly interests, as they are inherently fragile and temporary. Such relationships lack the depth and sincerity that can only be found in bonds rooted in faith and righteousness.

When individuals come together solely for worldly gains, their association is often driven by self-interest and personal benefit. Once these motives are no longer fulfilled, the bond quickly dissolves. This Hadith serves as a cautionary reminder to Muslims, urging them to prioritize genuine brotherhood based on faith and righteousness over temporary worldly alliances.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the transient nature of relationships formed solely for worldly gains. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize genuine brotherhood based on faith and righteousness, as opposed to superficial and temporary associations. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, Muslims can cultivate lasting and meaningful relationships that are not easily severed. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our companions wisely and to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among believers.