Hadith #787

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 جانَبَ الإخْوانَ على كُلِّ ذَنْب قَلَّ أصدِقاؤُهُ۔

This Hadith highlights the importance of maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood and friendship, even in the face of minor mistakes or misdeeds committed by our fellow Muslims.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word "إخْوانَ" refers to brothers or fellow Muslims, emphasizing the unity and solidarity within the Muslim community. The word "ذَنْب" means a sin or a misdeed, which can range from minor mistakes to major transgressions. The word "أصدِقاؤُهُ" refers to friends, indicating that those who turn away from their brothers due to every small misdeed will find themselves with few friends.

To further elucidate the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood and unity among Muslims in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse highlights the significance of resolving conflicts and disputes among believers, emphasizing the unity and harmony within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:53), Allah reminds us,

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse serves as a reminder to Muslims to choose their words wisely and to promote peace and harmony among one another. It cautions against falling into the trap of Satan, who seeks to sow discord and division among the believers.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with a profound insight into the consequences of turning away from our fellow Muslims due to every small misdeed. By doing so, we isolate ourselves and limit the number of friends and allies we have. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, bitterness, and a lack of support. Moreover, it weakens the fabric of the Muslim community, hindering its progress and growth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, encourages us to adopt a forgiving and compassionate attitude towards our brothers and sisters in Islam. He reminds us that we should not sever our ties of friendship and brotherhood over minor mistakes or misdeeds. Instead, we should strive to maintain strong bonds, offer guidance and support, and forgive one another. This approach fosters unity, love, and a sense of belonging within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize unity, forgiveness, and compassion within our community. It teaches us to overlook minor mistakes and misdeeds, and to focus on building strong bonds of brotherhood and friendship. By doing so, we not only strengthen our own social networks but also contribute to the overall strength and unity of the Muslim ummah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the ability to foster love and unity among our fellow Muslims.