Hadith #748

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) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious in their interactions with others, particularly those who hold affection for them. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and deep understanding of human nature, advises against alienating individuals who genuinely care for us.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (wahshatan) "وَحْشَةً" refers to loneliness, isolation, or a feeling of being abandoned. It signifies the emotional state of the person who is being pushed away. The word (ikhtiyarihi) "اختيارِهِ" means that the person chooses to distance themselves, indicating that they have reached a point where they prefer to separate from the one who has alienated them. And finally, the word (al-furqah) "الفُرْقَةِ" refers to separation or division.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong bonds and avoiding actions that may lead to alienation. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This ayah highlights the negative consequences of disputes and discord among believers. It reminds us that by alienating others, we not only weaken ourselves but also risk losing the support and companionship of those who care for us. It is essential to remember that unity and harmony within the Muslim community are pivotal for its strength and progress.

Another verse that sheds light on the importance of maintaining affectionate relationships can be found in Surah Al-Imran (3:103), where Allah says,

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.

This verse emphasizes the unity and brotherhood that should exist among Muslims. It reminds us of the immense favor of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in bringing our hearts together, despite our previous enmity. By maintaining strong bonds of affection, we not only fulfill our duty towards Allah but also protect ourselves from the pitfalls of division and discord.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice. When we alienate someone who cares for us, we risk losing their support, companionship, and the positive influence they may have on our lives. By pushing them away, we create a void in their hearts, leading them to choose separation and distance from us. This separation not only affects the individual relationship but also has broader consequences for the unity and strength of the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) guidance encourages us to be mindful of our actions and words, ensuring that we do not inadvertently push away those who genuinely care for us. Instead, we should strive to maintain strong bonds of affection, unity, and brotherhood, as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious in their interactions with others, especially those who hold affection for them. By avoiding actions that may alienate others, we contribute to the unity and strength of the Muslim community. Let us strive to follow the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and maintain strong bonds of affection and brotherhood, for the sake of our own well-being and the betterment of the ummah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and unity.