Hadith #7879

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, "سَبَبُ الإيتِلافِ الوَفاءُ۔" This can be translated as,

The cause of intimacy is loyalty.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (itilaf) "إيتِلاف" in this Hadith refers to a deep connection or closeness between individuals. It signifies a bond that is built on trust, understanding, and harmony. This closeness can be seen in various relationships, such as between friends, family members, or even spouses. It is a state of being united in heart and mind.

The word (wafa) "وَفاء" means loyalty or faithfulness. It encompasses the qualities of being true to one's commitments, promises, and obligations. It involves being steadfast and reliable in fulfilling one's duties towards others. Loyalty is a fundamental aspect of any strong and lasting relationship.

To understand the significance of loyalty in fostering intimacy, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of loyalty and trustworthiness in several verses. For example, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:1), Allah says,

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts.

This verse highlights the obligation of fulfilling agreements and contracts, which is a manifestation of loyalty.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:23), Allah praises the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by saying,

Among the believers are men true to what they promised Allah.

This verse highlights the loyalty of the companions towards Allah and His Messenger, which resulted in a strong bond of brotherhood and unity among them.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that loyalty is the foundation upon which intimacy is built. When individuals are loyal to one another, they create an environment of trust, love, and support. Loyalty fosters a sense of security and reassurance, allowing individuals to open up and share their thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities with one another.

In practical terms, loyalty can be demonstrated through various actions. It involves being there for someone in times of need, standing up for them in their absence, and keeping their secrets and confidences. Loyalty also means being honest and sincere in our interactions, avoiding gossip and backbiting, and always striving to protect the honor and dignity of others.

When loyalty is present in a relationship, it strengthens the bond between individuals and leads to a deeper level of understanding and connection. It creates an atmosphere of love, respect, and mutual support. Conversely, the absence of loyalty can lead to discord, mistrust, and the breakdown of relationships.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should ask ourselves how we can cultivate loyalty in our relationships. Are we being loyal and faithful to our friends, family members, and spouses? Are we fulfilling our commitments and promises? Are we trustworthy and reliable in our interactions with others?

By embodying the quality of loyalty, we can create an environment of intimacy and closeness in our relationships. We can build strong bonds based on trust, understanding, and mutual respect. Let us strive to be loyal Muslims, upholding our commitments and obligations, and fostering love and unity within our communities.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to be loyal and faithful in our relationships, and may He grant us the wisdom to understand the profound teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Ameen.