Hadith #781

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, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the qualities of a true and sincere friend. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith, exploring its words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with the phrase "الصَّديقُ الصَّدوُقُ" which can be translated as "the truthful friend." The word (sadiq) "صَدِيق" refers to a friend who is sincere, trustworthy, and honest. This friend is not only truthful in their words but also in their actions. They are reliable and can be counted on in times of need.

The next phrase in the Hadith is

مَنْ نَصَحَكَ في عَيبكَ

which means

one who advises you of your faults.

This highlights the importance of having a friend who sincerely cares about your well-being and is willing to point out your shortcomings. Such a friend does not hesitate to offer constructive criticism, helping you to grow and improve as a person.

The following phrase is "وحَفِظَكَ في غَيبِكَ" which can be translated as

protects your dignity in your absence.

This emphasizes the loyalty and integrity of a true friend. They do not engage in backbiting or gossip about you when you are not present. Instead, they safeguard your reputation and honor, even when you are not around to defend yourself.

The final phrase in the Hadith is "وَآثرَكَ على نَفْسِهِ" which means

gives you preference over himself.

This highlights the selflessness and generosity of a sincere friend. They prioritize your needs and well-being above their own, demonstrating true love and care for you.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and unity among the believers. A true friend, as described in the Hadith, embodies this spirit of brotherhood by advising, protecting, and prioritizing their friend's well-being.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us the importance of sincere advice. In Surah Al-Asr (103:3), Allah says,

And enjoin upon one another the truth and enjoin upon one another patience.

This verse encourages Muslims to advise one another with truth and patience. A sincere friend, as mentioned in the Hadith, fulfills this Quranic command by offering honest advice and guiding their friend towards righteousness.

The concept of protecting one's dignity and reputation is also emphasized in the Quran. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah says,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other.

This verse warns against making negative assumptions and engaging in backbiting. A true friend, as described in the Hadith, adheres to these teachings by safeguarding their friend's dignity and refraining from spreading rumors or gossip.

Lastly, the Quran teaches us the virtue of selflessness and putting others before ourselves. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation.

This verse praises the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) for their selflessness and generosity towards the Muhajirun (the emigrants). A true friend, as mentioned in the Hadith, embodies this spirit of selflessness by giving preference to their friend's needs and desires.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with valuable insights into the qualities of a true and sincere friend. Such a friend advises us, protects our dignity, and prioritizes our well-being over their own. This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of sincere advice, protecting one's reputation, and selflessness. As Muslims, we should strive to embody these qualities in our friendships, fostering an environment of love, trust, and support. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with sincere and righteous friends and enable us to be true friends to others.