Hadith #744

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and mutual responsibility among Muslims. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying.

The key words in this Hadith are (brother) "أخ", (enjoin) "يُوجِبُ", and (himself) "نَفْسِهِ". The term "أخ" refers to a fellow Muslim, highlighting the bond of brotherhood that exists within the Islamic community. It signifies the obligation of Muslims to care for and support one another.

The word "يُوجِبُ" means to command or enjoin. It implies the duty of a Muslim to advise and guide others towards righteousness and to encourage them to follow the path of Islam. This duty is not limited to mere words but extends to actions as well.

The phrase

لَكَ مِثْلَ الَّذِي يُوجِبُ لِنَفْسِهِ

translates to

what he enjoins on himself.

This indicates that a true brother is one who not only advises others but also practices what he preaches. He holds himself to the same standards that he expects from others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3):

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of advising one another towards truth and patience. It highlights the role of Muslims in guiding and supporting each other on the path of righteousness. A true brother is one who fulfills this duty, enjoining upon others what he himself practices.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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

This verse emphasizes the unity and brotherhood among believers and encourages them to resolve any disputes or conflicts that may arise.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. It reminds us of our responsibility towards our fellow Muslims. A true brother is not only concerned about his own well-being but also actively seeks the betterment of others. He advises and guides them towards righteousness, just as he does for himself.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be sincere in their actions and to fulfill their duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil. It encourages us to be proactive in helping our brothers and sisters, both spiritually and morally. By doing so, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood within the Muslim community and contribute to the overall well-being of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of being true brothers and sisters in Islam. It emphasizes the duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil, not only through words but also through our own actions. By fulfilling this responsibility, we contribute to the unity and well-being of the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in embodying the true spirit of brotherhood and fulfilling our obligations towards one another.