Hadith #10966

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) emphasizes the importance of maintaining relationships for the sake of Allah and severing ties with those who are disassociated for the sake of Allah. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (wasiloo) "واصِلُوا" means to establish or maintain ties, while (man tuwasiloonahu) "مَنْ تُواصِلُونَهُ" refers to the person with whom we maintain these ties. On the other hand, (ihjuroo) "اهْجُرُوا" means to sever or cut off, and (man tahjuroonahu) "مَنْ تَهْجُرُونَهُ" refers to the person from whom we disassociate.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of maintaining family ties and good relations with others. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 1, Allah says,

O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

This verse highlights the unity of humanity and the importance of maintaining ties of kinship.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83, Allah says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse emphasizes the obligation to do good to relatives and maintain ties of kinship.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further emphasizes the importance of maintaining these ties for the sake of Allah. When we establish and maintain relationships for the sake of Allah, we do so with sincerity and selflessness, seeking nothing in return except the pleasure of Allah. This means that our interactions with others should be based on righteousness, kindness, and compassion, with the intention of pleasing Allah alone.

Conversely, the Hadith also urges us to sever ties with those who are disassociated for the sake of Allah. This does not mean that we should cut off all ties with people who may have wronged us or hold different beliefs. Rather, it refers to those individuals who consistently engage in actions that are contrary to the teachings of Islam and who actively seek to harm or undermine the faith and its followers. In such cases, it is necessary to distance ourselves from such individuals in order to protect our own faith and maintain the integrity of the Muslim community.

The consequences of following this Hadith are profound. By establishing and maintaining ties for the sake of Allah, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community. This fosters a sense of unity, love, and support among believers, creating a strong foundation for the growth and development of the ummah. Additionally, by severing ties with those who are disassociated for the sake of Allah, we protect ourselves from negative influences and safeguard our faith.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of sincerity in our relationships and the need to prioritize our connection with Allah above all else. We should strive to establish and maintain ties with those who bring us closer to Allah, who encourage us in our faith, and who inspire us to be better Muslims. At the same time, we should be cautious of those who may lead us astray or hinder our spiritual progress.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of establishing and maintaining relationships for the sake of Allah, as well as the need to sever ties with those who are disassociated for the sake of Allah. By following this guidance, we can strengthen our faith, foster unity within the Muslim community, and strive towards righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement these teachings in our lives.