Hadith #641

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the qualities of a true brother in faith. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deeper meanings in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) stating,

The best of your brothers is one who rushes towards good and pulls you towards it.

Here, the word (khayr) "خيرُ" refers to goodness, righteousness, and all that is beneficial in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses acts of worship, kindness, charity, and any action that brings one closer to Allah's pleasure.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of hastening towards good deeds, indicating the eagerness and enthusiasm with which a true believer should approach acts of righteousness. This eagerness is not only for personal benefit but also extends to others. A true brother in faith is one who not only rushes towards good himself but also encourages and motivates others to do the same. They inspire and uplift their fellow Muslims, creating an atmosphere of positive influence and collective growth.

To support this exegesis, we find a beautiful verse in the Quran in Surah Al-Imran (3:104), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of inviting others towards goodness and righteousness, which aligns perfectly with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith.

The Hadith continues,

and enjoins you to righteousness and assists you in it.

Here, the word (bilbir) "بِالبِرِّ" refers to righteousness, piety, and acts of virtue. A true brother in faith not only advises and encourages others to do good but also actively supports and assists them in their pursuit of righteousness. They lend a helping hand, provide guidance, and offer assistance in any way possible to ensure the success of their fellow Muslims.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of assisting one another in acts of righteousness in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), where He says,

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

This verse highlights the significance of collective effort and mutual support in the path of righteousness, which echoes the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith.

The consequences of embodying the qualities mentioned in this Hadith are profound. When Muslims rush towards good, inspire others, and actively assist in righteousness, they create a community that is united, strong, and thriving. They become a source of inspiration for others, attracting people towards the beauty of Islam. This unity and collective effort not only benefit individuals but also society as a whole, fostering peace, justice, and prosperity.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of being proactive in our pursuit of goodness and righteousness. We should strive to be the best of brothers and sisters in faith, rushing towards good deeds, inspiring others, and actively assisting in acts of righteousness. By embodying these qualities, we can contribute to the betterment of our communities and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and be among those who rush towards good, inspire others, and actively assist in righteousness. Ameen.