Hadith #881

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

لا يَكُونُ الصَّديقُ صَديقاً حتّى يَحْفَظَ أخاهُ في غَيْبَتِهِ ونَكْبَتهِ وَوَفاتِهِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the true essence of friendship and the responsibilities that come with it. Let us delve into the exegesis of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

The word (sadiq) "صَديقُ" in this Hadith refers to a friend or companion. It is derived from the root word (sadaqa) "صَدَقَ", which means to be truthful and sincere. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that a person cannot be considered a true friend unless they fulfill three important obligations towards their brother.

The first obligation mentioned is to protect one's brother in his absence, or "في غَيْبَتِهِ". This means that a true friend stands up for their companion even when they are not present. They defend their honor, reputation, and interests, ensuring that their absence does not make them vulnerable to harm or injustice. This duty of loyalty and support is beautifully exemplified in the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) and his brothers. Despite their initial jealousy and betrayal, Prophet Yusuf's brothers eventually stood up for him when he was falsely accused and imprisoned.

The second obligation is to protect one's brother in his misfortune, or "نَكْبَتهِ". This refers to being there for a friend during times of hardship, adversity, and sorrow. A true friend does not abandon their companion when they are facing difficulties, but rather offers a helping hand, comfort, and support. The Quran emphasizes the importance of this duty in Surah Al-Balad, verse 11, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And what will make you know what is the difficult pass? It is the freeing of a slave, or feeding on a day of severe hunger, an orphan of near relationship, or a needy person in misery.

This verse highlights the significance of helping those in need, including our friends, during times of hardship.

The third obligation mentioned is to protect one's brother in his death, or "وَفاتِهِ". This means that a true friend does not abandon their companion even in the face of death. They attend to their funeral, offer condolences to their family, and continue to remember and honor their memory. The Quran reminds us of the importance of this duty in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 154, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allah, 'They are dead.' Rather, they are alive, but you perceive it not.

This verse teaches us that the souls of the deceased are still alive and aware of our actions. Therefore, it is our duty as true friends to continue to remember and honor them even after their passing.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise utterance in this Hadith highlights the depth and selflessness that true friendship entails. It calls upon Muslims to be loyal, supportive, and caring towards their companions in all circumstances. By fulfilling these obligations, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and create a society built on compassion, empathy, and love.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the true essence of friendship and the responsibilities that come with it. It teaches us to protect our brothers in their absence, misfortune, and even in death. By fulfilling these obligations, we embody the teachings of the Quran and the noble character of the Ahl al-Bayt. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be true friends and companions to one another, and may He bless us with the guidance to follow the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).