Hadith #10853

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,

لايَنْتَقِلُ الوَدُودُ الوَفِيُّ عَنْ حِفاظِهِ وإنْ أُقْصيَ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the unwavering loyalty and steadfastness of a true friend. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (wadood) "وَدُودُ" refers to a friend who is loving, affectionate, and kind-hearted. This friend is not only loyal but also demonstrates genuine care and concern for others. The word (al-wafi) "الوَفِيُّ" signifies someone who is faithful, trustworthy, and remains committed to their relationships. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the importance of maintaining this loyalty and friendship, even when physical distance separates individuals.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of maintaining strong bonds of friendship and loyalty. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:72), Allah says,

Indeed, those who have believed and emigrated and fought with their wealth and lives in the cause of Allah and those who gave shelter and aided - they are allies of one another.

This verse highlights the importance of standing by one another, even in times of hardship and adversity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahina (60:8), Allah instructs the believers,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with those who do not oppose or harm us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that true friendship is not contingent upon physical proximity. A loyal friend remains committed to their relationship regardless of the distance that separates them. They continue to show love, support, and care for one another, even if they are far apart.

For instance, when the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) migrated from Makkah to Madinah, his loyal companion Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) remained steadfast in his friendship. Despite the physical distance, Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) continued to support and protect the Prophet (ﷺ) with unwavering loyalty. This exemplifies the essence of the Hadith, as Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) did not turn away from his friendship even when he was far away.

Similarly, in our own lives, we may find ourselves physically distant from our loved ones due to various circumstances. However, this Hadith reminds us to maintain our loyalty and love for them. We should continue to support and care for them, even if we cannot be physically present. This loyalty and steadfastness in friendship are qualities that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed in abundance, as he was known for his wisdom and knowledge.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of remaining loyal and steadfast in our friendships, even when distance separates us. It reminds us to continue showing love, care, and support for our loved ones, regardless of the physical barriers that may exist. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be true and loyal friends to one another, just as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified.