Hadith #807

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the importance of having a loyal and righteous sibling. The word (afdal) "أفضَلُ" translates to "the best" or "the most virtuous," emphasizing the immense value and significance of such individuals in our lives. The word (al-'udad) "الْعُدَدِ" refers to assets or possessions, indicating that having a loyal brother or a righteous sibling is considered a valuable treasure.

This Hadith reminds us of the importance of maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community. It emphasizes the significance of having someone in our lives who is not only loyal but also righteous, someone who supports us in our journey towards righteousness and encourages us to do good deeds.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of maintaining strong relationships with our siblings and the rewards that come with it. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10):

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

This verse highlights the concept of brotherhood among the believers and encourages us to settle any disputes or conflicts that may arise between us. It reminds us to treat our fellow Muslims as brothers and sisters, emphasizing the importance of unity and harmony within the community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'

These verses highlight the importance of treating our parents with kindness and respect. However, they also indirectly emphasize the significance of maintaining strong family ties, including relationships with our siblings. By extension, this reminds us of the importance of having loyal and righteous siblings who support and care for us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to value and cherish their siblings. A loyal brother or a righteous sibling can provide us with emotional support, guidance, and encouragement in our pursuit of righteousness. They can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, helping us to stay on the right path and avoid falling into sin.

Having a loyal brother or a righteous sibling can also have a positive impact on our character and behavior. Their presence in our lives can influence us to become better individuals, as we strive to emulate their righteousness and moral values. They can serve as role models, guiding us towards acts of kindness, generosity, and piety.

On the other hand, if we neglect or disregard the importance of maintaining strong relationships with our siblings, we may miss out on the blessings and benefits that come with it. We may lose the opportunity to have a loyal and righteous companion who can support us in times of difficulty and help us grow spiritually.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of having a loyal brother or a righteous sibling as valuable assets in our lives. It reminds us of the significance of maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community. By nurturing these relationships, we can benefit from the support, guidance, and inspiration of our siblings, ultimately leading us towards righteousness and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah bless us all with loyal and righteous siblings and enable us to strengthen our bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.