Hadith #630

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,

الْغَرِيبُ مَنْ لَيْسَ لَهُ حَبِيبٌ

which translates to

A stranger is one who does not have a [close] friend.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of having a sincere and intimate friendship in one's life.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (gharib) "غَرِيبُ" refers to a stranger or an outsider, someone who is unfamiliar or disconnected from others. The word (habib) "حَبِيبٌ" means a close friend, a beloved companion who is deeply cherished and trusted.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of friendship and companionship. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:73), Allah says,

And those who disbelieve are allies of one another. If you do not do so, there will be fitnah on earth and great corruption.

This verse highlights the need for believers to form strong bonds of friendship and unity, as it protects them from the influence of those who oppose the truth.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:55), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Your ally is none but Allah and [therefore] His Messenger and those who have believed - those who establish prayer and give zakah, and they bow [in worship].

This verse emphasizes the importance of having Allah, His Messenger, and the believers as our true allies and friends. It reminds us that our ultimate friendship should be with those who are righteous and obedient to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the negative consequences of being a stranger, someone who lacks a close friend. It is a reminder that isolation and detachment from others can lead to feelings of loneliness, vulnerability, and spiritual emptiness. A person without a sincere friend may struggle to find support, guidance, and companionship in times of need.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, encourages Muslims to seek and cultivate meaningful friendships. These friendships should be based on mutual love, trust, and shared values. Such friendships provide emotional support, spiritual nourishment, and a sense of belonging.

Having a close friend who shares our faith and values can have a transformative impact on our lives. They can serve as a source of inspiration, motivation, and accountability. They can help us navigate the challenges of life, provide guidance in times of confusion, and remind us of our purpose and responsibilities as Muslims.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a reminder of the importance of being a good friend ourselves. We should strive to be the kind of friend who is loyal, trustworthy, and supportive. Just as we seek close friends, we should also be willing to offer our friendship to others, especially those who may be in need of companionship.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of having a close friend in our lives. It highlights the negative consequences of isolation and detachment, urging us to seek and cultivate meaningful friendships based on love, trust, and shared values. By embracing the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive to be better friends and create a sense of unity and support within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with sincere and righteous friends and enable us to be good friends to others.