Hadith #10849

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us against extending our friendship when we do not find a suitable place for it. Let us delve into the meaning of this enlightening Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (la tabdulan) "لاتَبْذُلَنَّ" in the Hadith refers to the act of extending or giving away something generously. It implies going beyond the ordinary limits and boundaries. The word (wuddak) "وُدَّكَ" means friendship, affection, or love. It signifies a deep bond between individuals based on trust and mutual respect. Lastly, the phrase (iza lam tajid mawdi'an)

إذا لَمْ تَجِدْ مَوْضِعاً

translates to

when you do not find a suitable place for it.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and unity among the believers. It encourages us to reconcile and make peace between our fellow Muslims.

However, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that while extending friendship is commendable, we should exercise caution and discernment. We should not offer our friendship indiscriminately or without considering the circumstances and the character of the person we are befriending. Just as we are advised to choose our companions wisely, we should also be mindful of the suitability of the place or environment in which we extend our friendship.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) further emphasizes the importance of choosing the right company in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28):

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder that our friendships should be based on shared values, principles, and a conducive environment. It is not enough to befriend someone solely based on personal interests or superficial reasons. We should seek companionship with those who remind us of Allah, who strive for righteousness, and who inspire us to be better Muslims.

By considering the suitability of the place, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of being aware of our surroundings and the impact they can have on our character and faith. If we find ourselves in an environment that is not conducive to our spiritual growth or where our values are compromised, it is essential to exercise caution in extending our friendship. This does not mean we should isolate ourselves, but rather, we should be mindful of the influence our surroundings can have on us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to be discerning in our friendships and to prioritize the quality of our relationships over their quantity. It reminds us to seek friendships that are rooted in faith, righteousness, and shared values. By doing so, we can surround ourselves with individuals who will support and uplift us on our journey towards pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our friends wisely and guide us to be in the company of those who bring us closer to Him. Ameen.