Hadith #670

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 Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

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

إذا ظَهرَ غَدْرُ الصَّديقِ سَهُلَ هَجْرُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

When the disloyalty of a friend becomes evident, forsaking him becomes easy.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words used. The word (ghadr) "غَدْرُ" refers to betrayal or disloyalty, while (as-sadiq) "الصَّديقِ" means a friend or companion. The word (hajr) "هَجْرُ" means to abandon or forsake someone.

This Hadith highlights a significant aspect of human relationships, particularly the bond of friendship. It teaches us that when the disloyalty of a friend becomes apparent, it becomes easier to distance ourselves from that person. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the actions of those who betray our trust.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the importance of loyalty and trustworthiness in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 27:

O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence].

This verse emphasizes the gravity of betraying trust, whether it is towards Allah, His Messenger, or our fellow human beings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, verse 8, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse encourages us to maintain justice and righteousness in our interactions with others, even if they may not share our beliefs or values.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a practical guide for Muslims in dealing with disloyalty. It reminds us that when someone we considered a friend betrays our trust, it is not only permissible but also easier to distance ourselves from them. This does not mean that we should harbor feelings of hatred or animosity towards them, but rather, we should prioritize our own well-being and protect ourselves from further harm.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings are deeply rooted in the Quranic principles of justice, trust, and loyalty. By reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims can learn the importance of discerning the actions of those around them and making informed decisions about their relationships.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that when the disloyalty of a friend becomes evident, it becomes easier to forsake them. This aligns with the Quranic teachings of justice, trust, and righteousness. Muslims should prioritize their own well-being and protect themselves from further harm while maintaining a sense of justice and fairness in their interactions with others. May Allah guide us all to make wise decisions in our relationships and grant us the strength to uphold the principles of loyalty and trustworthiness.