Hadith #882

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاتَقْطَعْ صَديقاً وإنْ كَفَرَ۔

This can be translated as,

Do not break off ties with a friend, even if he is ungrateful.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong bonds of friendship, even in the face of ingratitude or betrayal.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with others, even in difficult circumstances. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (Quran 8:61)

And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing.

This verse encourages Muslims to respond to peace with peace, regardless of the actions of others. It teaches us to prioritize reconciliation and harmony in our relationships, rather than severing ties.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, Allah says, (Quran 60:8)

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse reminds us that even if someone does not share our beliefs or values, we are still obligated to treat them with kindness and justice. It highlights the importance of maintaining connections and treating others well, regardless of their actions or beliefs.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and patience in maintaining friendships. It reminds us that even if someone is ungrateful or behaves in a hurtful manner, we should not sever ties with them. Instead, we should strive to maintain a compassionate and forgiving attitude, seeking reconciliation and understanding.

This Hadith teaches us valuable lessons about the nature of friendship and the importance of forgiveness. It encourages us to rise above personal grievances and to prioritize the preservation of relationships. By doing so, we not only follow the teachings of the Quran but also embody the qualities of patience, forgiveness, and compassion that were exemplified by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In practical terms, this Hadith urges us to reflect on our own actions and attitudes towards our friends and acquaintances. It reminds us to be patient and forgiving, even when faced with ingratitude or betrayal. By maintaining strong bonds of friendship, we contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society. We should strive to be the ones who initiate reconciliation and bridge the gaps between ourselves and others, even if they have wronged us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize maintaining ties of friendship, even in the face of ingratitude or betrayal. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness, justice, and forgiveness. By embodying these qualities, we can contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in following these teachings and grant us the ability to maintain strong and meaningful relationships with our friends and acquaintances.