Hadith #818

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,

أطِعْ أخاكَ وإنْ عَصاكَ، وَصِلْهُ وإنْ جَفاكَ۔

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood, even in the face of disobedience or rejection.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words used. The word (obey) "أطِعْ" signifies the act of following someone's command or instruction. It implies submission and compliance. The word (your brother) "أخاكَ" refers to a fellow Muslim, emphasizing the importance of unity and solidarity within the Muslim community. The word (disobeys you) "عَصاكَ" refers to the situation where your brother goes against your wishes or acts in a manner that is contrary to what you expect. The word (establish ties with him) "وَصِلْهُ" denotes the act of maintaining a strong and unbreakable bond with your brother, regardless of any differences or disagreements. Finally, the word (shuns you) "جَفاكَ" refers to the situation where your brother distances himself from you or shows indifference towards you.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and reconciliation among believers, even in times of disagreement or conflict. It reminds us that we are all part of one Ummah, and it is our duty to maintain strong bonds of brotherhood.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands us to

Say to My servants that they should only say those things that are best: for Satan sows discord among them: for Satan is to man an avowed enemy.

This verse highlights the importance of choosing our words wisely and avoiding any actions that may lead to division or discord among the believers. It reminds us to prioritize unity and harmony in our relationships, even when faced with challenging circumstances.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quranic verses mentioned above. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that obedience to our brothers, even when they disobey us, is a manifestation of true brotherhood and unity. It requires us to rise above our personal egos and prioritize the greater good of the Muslim community. By obeying our brothers, we demonstrate our commitment to the principles of Islam and our willingness to set aside our personal differences for the sake of unity.

Similarly, establishing ties with our brothers, even when they shun us, is a testament to the strength of our faith and our unwavering commitment to the teachings of Islam. It requires us to show kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, even in the face of rejection or indifference. By doing so, we emulate the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who exemplified the highest standards of moral conduct and treated others with love and respect.

The consequences of practicing the teachings of this Hadith are far-reaching. By obeying our brothers and establishing ties with them, we foster an environment of love, unity, and mutual support within the Muslim community. We create a strong foundation upon which we can collectively strive for the betterment of society and the spread of Islam. Moreover, by embodying the spirit of forgiveness and compassion, we inspire others to follow suit and contribute to the growth and development of the Ummah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood within the Muslim community. It teaches us to prioritize unity, obedience, and forgiveness, even in the face of disagreement or rejection. By practicing these principles, we can create a harmonious and cohesive society that is built upon the foundations of love, compassion, and mutual respect. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to embody the teachings of this Hadith and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims.