Hadith #8435

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 noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of three virtues: establishing ties with those who have distanced themselves, being cordial with those who are averse, and holding the hand of those who stumble. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of these virtues and their significance in light of the Quran.

The first virtue mentioned is (صِلَةُ الهاجِرِ)

establishing ties with the one who has distanced himself

This refers to maintaining connections with those who have chosen to separate themselves from us, whether due to personal differences, misunderstandings, or any other reason. It is a call to bridge the gaps and build bridges of understanding and reconciliation.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages Muslims to reconcile with those who have distanced themselves. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers.

This verse highlights the importance of maintaining brotherhood and unity among Muslims, even in the face of disagreements or conflicts.

The second virtue mentioned is (إيناسُ النّافِرِ)

being cordial with the one who is averse

This refers to showing kindness, compassion, and good manners towards those who may harbor ill feelings or animosity towards us. It is a call to rise above negativity and respond with love and understanding.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs Muslims to respond to evil with goodness. In Surah Fussilat (41:34), Allah says,

Good and evil are not equal. Repel evil with what is better.

This verse teaches us the importance of responding to negativity with positivity, thereby creating an environment of peace and harmony.

The third virtue mentioned is (الأخْذُ بِيَدِ العاثِرِ)

holding the hand of the one who stumbles

This refers to offering support, guidance, and assistance to those who are facing difficulties or challenges in their lives. It is a call to be compassionate and empathetic towards those in need.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages Muslims to help one another in times of hardship. In Surah Al-Balad (90:17-18), Allah says,

But he has not broken through the difficult pass. And what can make you know what is the difficult pass? It is the freeing of a slave.

This verse highlights the importance of assisting others in their times of need, just as freeing a slave was considered a great act of charity in the time of the Prophet (ﷺ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that these virtues are the best of virtues because they require us to go beyond our comfort zones, to extend our hands towards those who have distanced themselves, to show kindness to those who are averse, and to offer support to those who stumble. By practicing these virtues, we can foster unity, harmony, and compassion within our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of establishing ties with those who have distanced themselves, being cordial with those who are averse, and holding the hand of those who stumble. These virtues are not only rooted in the teachings of Islam but also supported by numerous Quranic verses. By embodying these virtues, we can contribute to the betterment of our communities and strive towards a more compassionate and inclusive society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in practicing these virtues and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.