Hadith #660

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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of forming a strong bond of brotherhood with those who caution and forbid us from committing evil. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to seek the company of those who have our best interests at heart, as they are the ones who will truly help and guide us.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (muwakhāt) "مُواخاةِ" refers to building a bond of brotherhood. It signifies a relationship based on mutual care, support, and guidance. This bond goes beyond mere friendship and requires a sense of responsibility towards one another.

The phrase (man haḏḏarak wa nahāk) "مَنْ حَذَّرَكَ وَنهاكَ" refers to the one who cautions and forbids us from doing evil. This person is someone who genuinely cares about our well-being and wants to protect us from harmful actions. They advise us out of love and concern, seeking to guide us towards righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) tells us that we should embrace the company of such individuals because they are the ones who will (yunjiduka wa yurshiduka) "يُنجِدُكَ ويُرشِدُكَ". The word (yunjiduka) "يُنجِدُكَ" means to aid or assist, while (yurshiduka) "يُرشِدُكَ" means to guide or direct. This implies that those who caution and forbid us from evil will not only help us in times of need but also guide us towards the right path.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (103:3),

Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds and advise each other to truth and advise each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of advising one another towards truth and patience, highlighting the significance of seeking guidance from those who caution and forbid us from evil.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. 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 settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the importance of intervening and advising when conflicts arise among believers, emphasizing the role of guidance and justice in resolving disputes.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand that forming a bond of brotherhood with those who caution and forbid us from evil is crucial for our spiritual growth and well-being. These individuals act as a source of support, guidance, and protection, helping us navigate the challenges of life and steering us towards righteousness. By embracing their advice and guidance, we can purify our souls and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to build a bond of brotherhood with those who caution and forbid us from evil. This bond is based on mutual care and support, and it is through their guidance that we can find aid and direction. By heeding their advice and seeking their company, we can strive towards righteousness and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the importance of such companionship and the ability to act upon it.