Hadith #1381

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The most deserving of intimacy among the people is the close friend.

This Hadith highlights the importance of having a close and intimate relationship with those who are deserving of it. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore its profound implications in light of the Quran.

The word (ahq) "أحقُّ" in the Hadith means "the most deserving." It emphasizes the idea that there are certain individuals who are more deserving of our intimacy and close friendship than others. This concept is further reinforced in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Anfal (8:72),

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 forming close bonds with those who share our faith and actively strive in the cause of Allah.

The word (wadood) "وَدُودُ" in the Hadith means "the close friend" or

the one who loves.

It refers to someone who possesses qualities of love, kindness, and affection. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes Himself as (Al-Wadood) "الْوَدُودُ", the Most Loving. In Surah Al-Buruj (85:14), Allah says,

Indeed, He is to them Kind and Merciful.

This attribute of Allah highlights the importance of showing love and kindness to others, especially to those who are deserving of our intimacy and close friendship.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that our closest relationships should be based on mutual love, trust, and righteousness. It encourages us to seek companionship with those who share our values and strive for the sake of Allah. This Hadith reminds us that true intimacy is not merely based on physical proximity or worldly benefits, but rather on spiritual and moral compatibility.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see its profound implications in our daily lives. It reminds us to carefully choose our friends and companions, as they have a significant impact on our spiritual and moral development. We should seek friendships that are built on love, kindness, and righteousness, as these qualities are essential for a healthy and beneficial relationship.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages us to be mindful of the company we keep and the influence it has on our character. The Quran warns us in Surah Al-Furqan (25:27),

And [the Day] when the wrongdoer will bite his hands [in regret] he will say, 'Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way.'

This verse serves as a reminder that the wrong company can lead us astray and cause regret in the Hereafter. Therefore, we must choose our close friends wisely and surround ourselves with individuals who inspire us to be better Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of having a close and intimate relationship with those who are deserving of it. It encourages us to seek companionship with individuals who possess qualities of love, kindness, and righteousness. By choosing our friends wisely and surrounding ourselves with those who inspire us to be better Muslims, we can strengthen our faith and strive towards attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us in forming meaningful and beneficial relationships and grant us the wisdom to choose our companions wisely.