Hadith #790

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 righteous companions.

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

مَنِ اهْتَمَّ بِكَ فَهُوَ صَدِيقُكَ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever is concerned about you, then he is your [true] friend.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (ihtamma) "اهْتَمَّ" comes from the root word (hamma) "هَمَّ", which means to be concerned or to care deeply about someone or something. It implies a genuine interest and attentiveness towards the well-being and needs of another person. The word (sadiquka) "صَدِيقُكَ" means friend, but it carries a deeper connotation of loyalty, trustworthiness, and sincerity.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of true friendship and companionship in several verses. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (Quran 3:103)

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers

This verse highlights the significance of unity and brotherhood among Muslims, which is a reflection of true friendship.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan, Allah describes the qualities of His righteous servants, saying, (Quran 25:63)

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace

This verse teaches us the importance of caring for others and responding to harshness with kindness and peace, which are key elements of true friendship.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The Imam is reminding us that a true friend is not merely someone who claims to care about us, but rather someone who genuinely shows concern for our well-being. This concern goes beyond superficial gestures and extends to actively supporting and assisting us in times of need.

A true friend is one who stands by us through thick and thin, offering a helping hand and providing emotional support. They are the ones who are genuinely interested in our happiness, success, and spiritual growth. Such friends are a blessing from Allah, as they bring joy, comfort, and strength to our lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for us to be discerning in our friendships. We should seek companions who genuinely care about us and our well-being, as they will be a source of support and guidance. At the same time, it encourages us to be true friends to others, showing genuine concern and care for their needs.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of true friendship based on genuine concern and care for one another. It reminds us to seek companions who are sincerely interested in our well-being and to reciprocate that care and concern towards others. May Allah bless us with true friends who bring us closer to Him and help us navigate the challenges of life with love and compassion.