Hadith #878

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against the grave mistake of taking the enemy of our friend as our own friend, which ultimately leads to enmity with our original friend. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (tat-takhidhanna) "تَتَّخِذَنَّ" in the Hadith means "to take" or "to consider." It implies the act of forming a relationship or alliance with someone. The word (aduwwa) "عَدُوَّ" refers to an enemy, while (sadiqika) "صَدِيقِكَ" means "your friend." Therefore, the Hadith cautions us against forming a friendship or alliance with the enemy of our friend.

This guidance from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is rooted in the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood among Muslims. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers.

This verse highlights the significance of fostering unity and resolving conflicts among fellow believers.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of loyalty and support for one another. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse reminds us that our alliances should be based on righteousness and piety, not on supporting those who oppose our friends.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) guidance in the Hadith is a reflection of his profound knowledge and wisdom. By cautioning against taking the enemy of our friend as our own friend, he highlights the potential consequences of such actions. When we align ourselves with the enemy of our friend, we not only betray our friend's trust but also risk damaging the relationship we have with them.

For example, imagine two friends, A and B, who have a strong bond of friendship. If A decides to befriend B's enemy, it will inevitably strain their relationship. A's actions will be perceived as disloyal and hurtful by B, leading to a breakdown in trust and possibly even enmity between them. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to be cautious in their relationships and to prioritize loyalty and support for their friends.

Moreover, the Hadith also highlights the importance of discernment and wisdom in our interactions with others. It urges us to carefully consider the consequences of our actions and to avoid hasty judgments. By taking the enemy of our friend as our own friend, we risk aligning ourselves with those who may have ill intentions towards our friend, thereby jeopardizing the well-being and safety of our friend.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their friendships and alliances. It cautions against aligning ourselves with the enemy of our friend, as it can lead to enmity and the breakdown of trust. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran, we understand the importance of maintaining strong bonds of friendship and loyalty among Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our friends wisely and to uphold the values of unity and brotherhood in our interactions.