Hadith #887

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,

مَنْ بَصََّركَ عَيْبَكَ وحَفِظَكَ في غَيْبِكَ فَهُوَ الصَّديقُ فَاحفَظْهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of having a true friend who not only points out our faults but also defends us in our absence. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (bassarak) "بَصََّركَ" in the Hadith means to perceive or notice someone's faults or shortcomings. It implies that a true friend is someone who cares enough about you to bring your faults to your attention, not out of malice or to humiliate you, but out of genuine concern for your well-being. This act of pointing out faults is done with the intention of helping you grow and improve as a person.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to advise and correct one another in Surah Al-Asr, where He says, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the importance of sincere advice and guidance among believers.

Furthermore, the word (hafizhaka) "حَفِظَكَ" in the Hadith means to protect or defend someone in their absence. It signifies the loyalty and trustworthiness of a true friend who not only supports you when you are present but also stands up for you when you are not around. Such a friend safeguards your reputation and defends you against any unjust accusations or gossip.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands us to defend the honor and dignity of our fellow Muslims in Surah Al-Hujurat, where He says, (Quran 49:11)

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse teaches us the importance of protecting one another's honor and refraining from mocking or belittling others.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the value of having a true friend who not only points out our faults but also defends us in our absence. Such a friend is a rare gem, as they genuinely care about our well-being and are willing to support us in all circumstances. They are not afraid to confront us with our shortcomings, knowing that it is for our own benefit.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement. When someone points out our faults, it is an opportunity for us to assess ourselves and strive to become better individuals. It reminds us that none of us are perfect, and we all have areas in which we can improve. By accepting constructive criticism and working on ourselves, we can grow spiritually and morally.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to be true friends to others as well. We should be willing to point out their faults with kindness and sincerity, always seeking their betterment. At the same time, we should defend and protect their honor in their absence, standing up for them against any unjust accusations or gossip.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of having true friends who genuinely care about our well-being. These friends are not afraid to point out our faults and help us grow, while also defending us in our absence. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize sincere advice, protecting one another's honor, and striving for self-improvement. As Muslims, let us strive to be true friends to one another, always seeking the betterment of our fellow believers and defending their honor. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with such friendships and guide us on the path of righteousness.