Hadith #10857

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all 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, "المودة إحدى القرابتين" which translates to

Friendship is one of two [close] relationships.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of friendship and its position in the realm of human relationships.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (Al-Mawaddah) "المودة" refers to love, affection, and friendship. It implies a deep bond of care, compassion, and goodwill between individuals. (Ihdā) "إحدى" means "one of" or "one from." And (Al-Qarābatayn) "القرابتين" refers to two close relationships.

In light of the Quran, we find numerous verses that emphasize the importance of friendship and the significance it holds in the lives of Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse highlights the brotherhood and unity among believers, which is a form of friendship based on faith and mutual love for the sake of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:73), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who believed and emigrated and fought in the cause of Allah and those who gave shelter and aided - it is they who are the believers, truly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of friendship and support in times of difficulty and struggle. It signifies the bond between believers who stand together for the sake of Allah and support one another in their journey of faith.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the significance of friendship as one of the two close relationships. This implies that friendship holds a special place in our lives, alongside other close relationships such as family ties. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating strong and meaningful friendships that are based on love, trust, and mutual support.

A true friend is someone who stands by your side through thick and thin, who shares your joys and sorrows, and who supports you in times of need. They are the ones who bring positivity, happiness, and comfort into your life. A genuine friendship is built on sincerity, honesty, and selflessness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying serves as a reminder for Muslims to value and nurture their friendships. It encourages us to surround ourselves with righteous companions who inspire us to be better individuals and who help us in our journey towards Allah's pleasure.

The consequences of cultivating strong and meaningful friendships are far-reaching. A true friend can have a positive impact on our character, guiding us towards righteousness and reminding us of our responsibilities as Muslims. They can provide emotional support, offer wise counsel, and help us navigate through the challenges of life. A sincere friend can also serve as a source of motivation and encouragement, pushing us to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.

On the other hand, a toxic or insincere friendship can have detrimental effects on our well-being and spiritual growth. It is crucial for Muslims to choose their friends wisely, ensuring that their friendships are based on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of friendship in our lives. It serves as a call to Muslims to value and nurture their friendships, seeking companions who bring them closer to Allah and inspire them to be better individuals. By cultivating meaningful friendships, we can experience the joys of companionship, find support in times of need, and grow spiritually. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with sincere and righteous friends who bring us closer to Him.