Hadith #10826

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "رُبَّ مُتَوَدِّد مُتَصَنِّع۔" This can be translated into English as,

Many a [seemingly] friendly person is only feigning [friendship].

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to better understand its meaning. The word (mutawaddid) "مُتَوَدِّد" refers to someone who appears to be friendly or affectionate. They may display kindness and warmth towards others, but their intentions are not sincere. The word (mutasannif) "مُتَصَنِّع" means to pretend or put on a show. It describes someone who is pretending to be friendly, but in reality, they harbor ill intentions.

To gain a deeper understanding of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the presence of such individuals in Surah Al-Imran, verse 118:

O you who have believed, do not take as intimates those other than yourselves, for they will not spare you [any] ruin. They wish you would have hardship. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater. We have certainly made clear to you the signs, if you will use reason.

This verse highlights the importance of choosing our companions wisely. It cautions us against forming close relationships with those who do not share our values and beliefs. Such individuals may pretend to be friendly, but their true intentions are to cause harm and hardship. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that their hatred is evident in their words and actions, and what they conceal in their hearts is even more dangerous.

Another verse that sheds light on this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 11:

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and avoiding mockery or ridicule. It reminds us not to judge others based on outward appearances or assumptions. Similarly, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about individuals who may appear friendly but are actually pretending. It serves as a reminder to be cautious and discerning in our interactions with others.

The consequences of falling into the trap of such individuals can be detrimental. They may exploit our trust, spread rumors, or even harm us physically or emotionally. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to be vigilant and discerning in their relationships, ensuring that they surround themselves with genuine and sincere companions who share their values and aspirations.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw inspiration from the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His profound knowledge and understanding of human nature allowed him to recognize the pretense of those who claimed friendship but harbored ill intentions. As Muslims, we should strive to cultivate the same level of insight and discernment in our own lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to be cautious of those who pretend to be friendly but have ulterior motives. It urges us to seek genuine companionship and to be discerning in our interactions with others. By relying on the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can navigate through the complexities of human relationships and protect ourselves from potential harm. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us wisdom and discernment in our interactions and protect us from the deceit of those who feign friendship.