Hadith #888

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ لا صَديقَ لَهُ لا ذُخْرَ لَهُ۔

This amazing Hadith emphasizes the importance of having true friends and companions in our lives. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (sadiq) "صَديقَ" in Arabic refers to a sincere and trustworthy friend, someone who is loyal and supportive. This word is derived from the root word (sadaqa) "صَدَقَ", which means truthfulness and sincerity. In the context of this Hadith, (sadiq) "صَديقَ" signifies a close companion who provides emotional support, guidance, and assistance.

The word (dhukr) "ذُخْرَ" in Arabic refers to provision, sustenance, or wealth. It encompasses both material and spiritual blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon His servants. It includes physical resources, such as food, shelter, and wealth, as well as intangible blessings, such as knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual well-being.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that having true friends and companions is essential for our well-being and prosperity. Just as provision is necessary for our physical sustenance, friends are crucial for our emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth. They provide us with support, guidance, and companionship during times of joy and sorrow.

The Quran affirms the significance of friendship and companionship in several verses. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) narrates the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his companion, Khidr (peace be upon them). Despite their differences in knowledge and understanding, they form a bond of friendship and embark on a journey of learning and enlightenment together. This friendship leads to profound lessons and blessings for both of them.

(Quran 18:60)

وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِفَتَاهُ لَا أَبْرَحُ حَتَّىٰ أَبْلُغَ مَجْمَعَ الْبَحْرَيْنِ أَوْ أَمْضِيَ حُقُبًا

(Quran 18:60)

And [mention] when Moses said to his servant, 'I will not cease [traveling] until I reach the junction of the two seas or continue for a long period.'

This verse highlights the companionship between Prophet Musa and his servant, emphasizing the importance of having a trusted companion in their journey. Similarly, in our own lives, having a sincere friend can provide us with the motivation and support to achieve our goals and overcome challenges.

Furthermore, the Quran encourages Muslims to seek righteous companionship and avoid the company of those who may lead them astray. In Surah Al-Furqan, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the Day of Judgment, when the wrongdoers will disassociate themselves from their misguided companions:

(Quran 25:27)

وَيَوْمَ يَعَضُّ الظَّالِمُ عَلَىٰ يَدَيْهِ يَقُولُ يَا لَيْتَنِي اتَّخَذْتُ مَعَ الرَّسُولِ سَبِيلًا

(Quran 25:27)

And the Day the wrongdoer will bite on his hands [in regret] he will say, 'Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way.'

This verse serves as a reminder to Muslims about the importance of choosing righteous companions who will guide them towards the path of righteousness and help them avoid the pitfalls of sin and disobedience.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the profound impact that friends and companions can have on our lives. True friends provide us with emotional support, offer guidance in times of confusion, and help us grow spiritually. They are a source of comfort and strength during difficult times and celebrate our successes with us.

Conversely, the absence of true friends can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and vulnerability. Without the support and companionship of sincere friends, individuals may struggle to navigate the challenges of life and may find it difficult to achieve their full potential.

As Muslims, we should strive to cultivate sincere and trustworthy friendships based on Islamic values. We should seek companions who remind us of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) presence, encourage us to perform good deeds, and help us avoid sinful behavior. By surrounding ourselves with righteous companions, we can enhance our spiritual growth, strengthen our faith, and increase our provision in this world and the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of having true friends and companions in our lives. Just as provision is necessary for our physical sustenance, friends are crucial for our emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being. The Quran supports this notion by highlighting the significance of companionship and encouraging Muslims to seek righteous friends. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with sincere and supportive companions who will guide us on the path of righteousness and increase our provision in this world and the hereafter.