Hadith #759

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with valuable guidance on how to maintain and strengthen our relationships with our fellow Muslims. He advises us to bring ourselves to build ties with our brothers and sisters, even in difficult situations.

The Imam begins by emphasizing the importance of maintaining ties with our brothers when they cut us off. This refers to situations where someone may have wronged us or severed ties with us. Instead of harboring resentment or seeking revenge, the Imam advises us to take the initiative to rebuild the relationship. This act of forgiveness and reconciliation is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which encourages believers to forgive and overlook the faults of others:

(Quran 7:199)

Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

Furthermore, the Imam advises us to be kind and seek closeness to our brothers when they turn away from us. This means that even when someone distances themselves from us or shows indifference, we should respond with kindness and try to bridge the gap. This is a reflection of the Quranic principle of responding to evil with goodness:

(Quran 41:34)

Repel [evil] by that which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.

Moreover, the Imam encourages us to be near to our brothers when they distance themselves from us. This means that when someone withdraws from our company or isolates themselves, we should make an effort to reach out and maintain the bond. This is in line with the Quranic teaching of maintaining unity and brotherhood among believers:

(Quran 3:103)

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.

Furthermore, the Imam advises us to assume that our brothers have an excuse when they wrong us. This means that instead of jumping to conclusions or harboring ill feelings, we should give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that there may be valid reasons for their actions. This is in line with the Quranic principle of assuming the best about others:

(Quran 49:12)

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin.

The Imam emphasizes that we should embody the qualities of servitude and gratitude towards our brothers. We should treat them as if we are their servants, always ready to serve and assist them. This attitude fosters humility, compassion, and selflessness, which are essential for maintaining strong relationships within the Muslim community.

However, the Imam also cautions us not to extend this level of devotion and kindness to those who are unworthy or in situations where it is not appropriate. This highlights the importance of discernment and wisdom in our interactions with others. We should strive to strike a balance between maintaining ties and protecting ourselves from harm or exploitation.

In conclusion, this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with invaluable guidance on how to build and maintain strong relationships within the Muslim community. It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, kindness, and assuming the best about others. By embodying these qualities, we can foster unity, love, and compassion among Muslims, thereby strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement these teachings in our lives and benefit from the blessings of strong and harmonious relationships.