Hadith #852

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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,

إذا آخَيْتَ فَأكْرِمْ حقَّ الإخاءِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of establishing the bond of brotherhood and honoring its rights. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (akhayta) "آخَيْتَ" is derived from the root word (akha) "أَخَا", which means

to make someone a brother.

It signifies the act of forming a bond of brotherhood with another individual. This bond goes beyond mere friendship or companionship; it encompasses a deep sense of love, care, and support for one another. It is a bond that is based on mutual respect, trust, and unity.

The word (ikrim) "أكْرِمْ" is derived from the root word (karama) "كَرَمَ", which means "to honor" or "to dignify." It implies treating others with kindness, generosity, and respect. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to honoring the rights and responsibilities that come with the bond of brotherhood.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and unity among Muslims in several verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers.

This verse highlights the unity and solidarity that should exist among Muslims, emphasizing the need to resolve conflicts and disputes in a just and fair manner.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse emphasizes the importance of working together for the greater good and supporting one another in acts of righteousness and piety. It encourages Muslims to stand united against wrongdoing and aggression.

The exegesis of this Hadith reveals the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words. When we decide to establish the bond of brotherhood, it is not merely a superficial connection. It is a commitment to treat one another with kindness, respect, and honor. It is about recognizing the rights and responsibilities that come with this bond and fulfilling them to the best of our abilities.

Honoring the right of brotherhood means being there for one another in times of need, supporting each other's endeavors, and treating each other with fairness and justice. It means putting aside personal differences and working towards the greater good of the community. It also entails forgiving one another's mistakes and shortcomings, as forgiveness is an essential aspect of maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood.

By honoring the right of brotherhood, we create an environment of love, compassion, and unity within the Muslim community. This unity strengthens our collective strength and enables us to face challenges and overcome obstacles together. It fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity, where every individual feels valued and supported.

Moreover, honoring the right of brotherhood extends beyond the Muslim community. It encompasses treating all human beings with kindness, respect, and dignity, regardless of their faith or background. Islam teaches us to be compassionate and just towards all people, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of establishing the bond of brotherhood and honoring its rights. It calls upon Muslims to treat one another with kindness, respect, and dignity, fostering unity and solidarity within the community. By doing so, we create an environment of love and compassion, where every individual feels valued and supported. Let us strive to uphold the teachings of Islam and honor the right of brotherhood, both within the Muslim community and beyond. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and unity.