Hadith #808

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,

أصْدَقُ الإخْوانِ مَوَدَّةً أفْضَلُهُمْ لإخوانِهِ في السَّرّاءِ والضَّرّاءِ مُواساةً۔

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali emphasizes the importance of true brotherhood and the qualities that define it. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in the light of the Quran.

The word (asdaq) "أصْدَقُ" in the Hadith translates to "the most truthful" or "the most sincere." It signifies the authenticity and genuineness of the brotherhood being discussed. It implies that the strongest bond of brotherhood is formed when it is based on sincerity and truthfulness. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in relationships. In Surah Al-Imran (3:103), Allah says,

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers.

The word (mawaddah) "مَوَدَّةً" in the Hadith refers to love, affection, and goodwill. It signifies a deep emotional connection and care for one another. This love is not merely superficial but is rooted in genuine concern and compassion. The Quran beautifully describes this concept of love and affection in Surah Al-Rum (30:21), where Allah says,

And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that the true test of brotherhood lies in supporting one another during both times of ease and difficulty. This means that a true brother is not only present in times of joy and prosperity but also stands by his brother during times of hardship and adversity. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of supporting one another. In Surah Al-Balad (90:17-18), Allah says,

But he has not broken through the difficult pass. And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? It is the freeing of a slave.

The consequences of embodying the qualities mentioned in this Hadith are profound. When brothers support each other sincerely and selflessly, they strengthen their bond and create a sense of unity within the community. This unity is essential for the progress and well-being of the ummah. The Quran emphasizes the importance of unity in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), where Allah says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the exemplary character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His knowledge, wisdom, and unwavering support for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Muslim community serve as a shining example for all Muslims. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) deep understanding of the Quran and his commitment to its teachings allowed him to embody the true essence of brotherhood.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the strongest brotherhood is built on sincerity, love, and support during both times of ease and difficulty. By embodying these qualities, we can strengthen our relationships, foster unity within the ummah, and ultimately strive for the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to be true brothers and sisters to one another.