Hadith #8398

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

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

اِلْزَمُوا الجَماعَةَ، واجْتَنِبُوا الفُرْقَةَ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of remaining united with the community and avoiding division or separation. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (al-jama'ah) "الجَماعَةَ" refers to the collective body of Muslims who come together to worship and follow the teachings of Islam. It signifies the unity and strength that is achieved when Muslims stand together as one. The word (al-furqah) "الفُرْقَةَ" refers to division or separation, which can lead to disunity and weaken the community.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of unity and warns against division among Muslims. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 3:103)

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

This verse emphasizes the need for Muslims to stay united and not allow any differences to divide them.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (Quran 8:46)

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse highlights the negative consequences of disputes and divisions within the Muslim community. It reminds us that unity is a source of strength and that disagreements can weaken our collective resolve.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, understood the importance of unity in Islam. He recognized that a united community is better equipped to face challenges and uphold the principles of Islam. By advising Muslims to remain with the community and avoid separation, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us of the importance of unity in preserving the teachings of Islam and maintaining the strength of the Muslim ummah.

When Muslims stand united, they can work together to promote justice, spread knowledge, and address social issues. Unity allows for the pooling of resources, ideas, and efforts, resulting in greater impact and progress. On the other hand, division weakens the community, hampers progress, and creates opportunities for external forces to exploit differences among Muslims.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to remain with the community and avoid separation serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize unity over personal differences. It encourages us to come together, respect one another, and work towards common goals, all while upholding the principles of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of unity within the Muslim community and warns against division or separation. This advice aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly stress the need for Muslims to remain united and avoid disputes. By adhering to this guidance, Muslims can strengthen their community, preserve the teachings of Islam, and work towards a more just and prosperous society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to unity and protect us from division.