Hadith #775

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best of brothers is one who does not scrutinize his brothers.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community. To fully understand the depth and significance of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (khayr) "خَيرُ" translates to "best" or "excellent." It signifies the highest level of goodness and righteousness. It implies that the best way to be a brother is to possess certain qualities that promote unity and harmony among Muslims.

The term (ikhwan) "إخوانِ" refers to "brothers" or "siblings." In this context, it refers to fellow Muslims who share the same faith and are part of the same Ummah. It encompasses the idea of a close-knit community bound by the ties of faith and brotherhood.

The word (man) "مَنْ" means "one who" or "whoever." It indicates that the statement being made applies to anyone who possesses the mentioned qualities, regardless of their social status or position within the community.

The phrase (lam yakun 'ala ikhwanihi mustaqsiyan)

لَمْ يَكُنْ عَلَى إخوانِهِ مُسْتَقْصِياً

translates to

does not scrutinize his brothers.

Here, the term (mustaqsiyan) "مُسْتَقْصِياً" refers to someone who constantly investigates and questions the actions and intentions of their fellow Muslims. It implies a lack of trust and a tendency to judge others based on their perceived faults or shortcomings.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of unity, love, and compassion among believers. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse highlights the need for Muslims to treat one another with kindness and to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner.

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

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

This verse encourages Muslims to work together for the greater good, focusing on righteous actions and avoiding any form of aggression or harm towards one another.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims that true brotherhood is built on trust, respect, and understanding. It discourages the habit of constantly scrutinizing and judging others, as this can lead to division and animosity within the community. Instead, it encourages Muslims to focus on their own actions and intentions, striving to improve themselves and support their fellow believers.

By refraining from scrutinizing others, Muslims can foster an environment of love, compassion, and unity. This approach allows for the growth and development of a strong and cohesive Muslim community, where individuals support and uplift one another. It promotes a culture of forgiveness, understanding, and empathy, which are essential qualities for maintaining harmonious relationships within the Ummah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of avoiding constant scrutiny and judgment of our fellow Muslims. It encourages us to focus on our own actions and intentions, striving for self-improvement and supporting our brothers and sisters in faith. By embodying the qualities of trust, respect, and understanding, we can build a strong and united Muslim community, in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. May Allah guide us all to be the best of brothers and sisters, united in faith and love.