Hadith #774

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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 imparts valuable wisdom about the qualities of a true brother in Islam. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the best of your brothers is the one who supports you, meaning the one who stands by your side in times of difficulty and offers you assistance. This support can be emotional, physical, or even financial. It is a reflection of true brotherhood, where one person selflessly helps another in their time of need.

To further emphasize the significance of this quality, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the one who suffices for you is even better than the one who supports you. This refers to a person who not only supports you but also takes care of your needs to the extent that you do not require assistance from anyone else. This individual is self-sufficient and ensures that you are well taken care of, sparing you from the need to seek help from others.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then adds that when this person, who has been supporting and sufficing for you, is in need of your help, he excuses you if you are unable to assist him. This highlights the selflessness and understanding that should exist within true brotherhood. It is a reflection of the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself, who was known for his knowledge, wisdom, and compassion.

The exegesis of this Hadith can be further understood by examining the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and support in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (49:10)

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

This verse highlights the unity and bond that should exist among Muslims, where they are like brothers to one another. It is this brotherhood that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is referring to in his Hadith.

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

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. It is through this cooperation and support that the bonds of brotherhood are strengthened.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to embody the qualities of a true brother. It encourages us to be there for one another, to support and suffice for each other, and to be understanding and forgiving when someone is unable to assist us. It teaches us the importance of selflessness, compassion, and unity within the Muslim community.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can strive to be the best of brothers by actively seeking opportunities to support and help our fellow Muslims. We can aim to be self-sufficient individuals who not only take care of our own needs but also ensure the well-being of those around us. And when we find ourselves in need, we can practice understanding and forgiveness, knowing that true brotherhood is built on mutual support and compassion.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the teachings of this Hadith and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood within the Muslim community. Ameen.