Hadith #6814

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The most worthy of those whom you love is he whose benefit is for you and whose harm is for other than you.

This beautiful saying emphasizes the importance of true love and highlights the qualities of a person who is truly deserving of our affection and attachment.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ahhaq) "أحَقُّ" means "most deserving" or "most worthy." It implies that there are varying degrees of worthiness among those we love, and the most deserving person is the one who possesses certain qualities. The word (ahbabtahu) "أحْبَبْتَهُ" means "whom you love," indicating that the Hadith is addressing the concept of love and attachment.

The Hadith then describes the qualities of the most deserving person. The word (naf'uhu) "نَفْعُهُ" refers to the benefit or advantage that this person brings to you. It signifies that the most deserving person is one who brings you benefit, whether it be in the form of knowledge, support, or any other positive influence. On the other hand, the word (darruhu) "ضَرُّهُ" refers to the harm or disadvantage that this person brings to others. This implies that the most deserving person is one who, despite having the potential to cause harm, directs it away from you and towards those who may deserve it.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9),

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make peace between them. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make peace between them with justice and act equitably. Indeed, Allah loves those who act equitably.

This verse emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in our relationships with others. It teaches us that we should strive to be just and equitable, even in times of conflict. The most deserving person, as described in the Hadith, is one who embodies these qualities. They bring benefit to us while ensuring that harm is directed towards those who deserve it, in accordance with the principles of justice.

Another verse that sheds light on the wisdom of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the importance of treating others with righteousness and justice, regardless of their beliefs or actions. The most deserving person, as mentioned in the Hadith, is one who upholds these principles. They bring us benefit while ensuring that harm is directed towards those who do not act justly, in line with the teachings of the Quran.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see that it encourages us to evaluate our relationships based on the qualities of the individuals involved. It reminds us to prioritize those who bring us benefit and avoid those who cause harm, while still maintaining justice and fairness in our interactions. By doing so, we can cultivate healthy and meaningful relationships that are in line with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us to love and attach ourselves to those who bring us benefit, while ensuring that harm is directed towards those who deserve it. It emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in our relationships, as exemplified by the teachings of the Quran. May Allah guide us to love and attach ourselves to those who are deserving, and may He grant us the wisdom to navigate our relationships with justice and fairness.