Hadith #14

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ), his progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his companions.

In the provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), the key words are (abandoned) "ضَيَّعَهُ" and (near ones) "الْأَقْرَبُ" and (remote ones) "الْأَبْعَد". The Hadith conveys a wise message about human relationships and the dynamics of closeness and distance in those relationships.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining family ties and treating relatives with kindness and respect. In Surah An-Nisa, Ayah 1, Allah says,

O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

This ayah highlights the significance of maintaining ties with relatives, even if they are not close to us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reflects the reality that sometimes those who are physically distant from us may value and appreciate us more than those who are near. This can be due to various reasons such as jealousy, misunderstandings, or lack of appreciation. The Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to not be disheartened if they feel abandoned by their close ones, as there may be others who hold them dear from afar.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 83, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This ayah underscores the importance of fulfilling the rights of relatives and treating them with kindness, regardless of their proximity to us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound wisdom in this Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect on the nature of relationships and the complexities that can arise within them. It serves as a reminder to prioritize sincerity, kindness, and understanding in our interactions with others, whether they are near or far. By embodying these values, Muslims can cultivate strong and meaningful connections that transcend physical distance and foster love and compassion among all members of the community.