Hadith #6811

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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:

أوْلى مَنْ أحْبَبْتَ مَنْ لايَقْلاكَ۔

This can be translated into English as:

The most deserving of those whom you love is the one who does not forsake you.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The word (awla) "أوْلى" in the Hadith refers to someone who is more deserving or closer in terms of love and loyalty. It implies a sense of priority and preference. The word (ahbabta) "أحْبَبْتَ" means to love or have affection for someone. And the phrase (man la yaqlak) "مَنْ لايَقْلاكَ" means the one who does not forsake or abandon you.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of loyalty and steadfastness in relationships. In Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 6, Allah says:

The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are [in the position of] their mothers.

This verse highlights the elevated status of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the importance of his companions' loyalty and devotion to him.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Tawbah, verse 71, Allah says:

The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those - Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.

This verse emphasizes the mutual support and loyalty that should exist among the believers.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith reflects the importance of choosing companions and loved ones who remain steadfast and loyal in times of difficulty. It highlights the significance of having relationships based on trust, support, and unwavering commitment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words carry great weight. He encourages us to evaluate our relationships and prioritize those who remain loyal and steadfast, even in challenging circumstances. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to surround themselves with individuals who are trustworthy, reliable, and true to their word.

When we love someone, we naturally expect their loyalty and support. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the most deserving of our love and affection are those who do not abandon us when we need them the most. This Hadith encourages us to reflect on the quality of our relationships and choose companions who will stand by us through thick and thin.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a reminder of the consequences of forsaking others. When we abandon someone who loves us, we not only hurt them emotionally but also damage the trust and bond that existed between us. This Hadith teaches us the importance of maintaining strong and loyal relationships, as they are a source of comfort, support, and strength in our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to prioritize and value those who remain loyal and steadfast in our lives. It encourages us to choose companions who do not forsake us in times of need. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive to cultivate relationships based on trust, loyalty, and unwavering support. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in choosing the right companions and grant us the ability to be loyal and steadfast in our relationships.