Friendship Beyond Borders: Allāmah al-Hillī and al-‘Allāmah al-Ḥalabī

Allāmah al-Hillī, one of the greatest Shia scholars of the 13th–14th century, was known not only for his vast knowledge but for his open heart and deep respect for fellow scholars, regardless of sect or origin. His intellectual pursuits and scholarly contributions played a significant role in shaping Shia thought, but equally remarkable was his approach to personal relationships. Despite his prominence in the Shia scholarly world, Allāmah al-Hillī’s heart was open to understanding, learning from, and engaging with scholars from all backgrounds. This spirit of inclusivity led him to develop a close and enduring friendship with a Sunni scholar from Aleppo, known as al-‘Allāmah al-Ḥalabī.

Their friendship was a unique example of intellectual camaraderie that crossed sectarian lines. Allāmah al-Hillī and al-‘Allāmah al-Ḥalabī were not merely colleagues but brothers in their pursuit of knowledge and truth. They engaged in deep, respectful debates on theological matters, exchanged letters of scholarship, and often visited each other despite the challenges of distance and differing ideologies. What united them was a shared love for the Prophet Muhammad (s) and his family, the Ahl al-Bayt (as), a common commitment to truth, and an unwavering belief that the essence of brotherhood in Islam transcends theological and sectarian divides. This bond of friendship was built on a foundation of respect for one another’s scholarly pursuits and a recognition that faith is a personal journey that can be enriched through mutual understanding.

One day, a student asked Allāmah al-Hillī why he maintained such a close relationship with someone whose theological views were not in complete alignment with his own. The student’s question reflected the prevailing attitude of the time, which often saw religious differences as barriers to friendship and collaboration. Allāmah al-Hillī’s response was profound and filled with wisdom. He said: “The one who walks with me towards Allah is my brother, regardless of where he began his journey.” This response encapsulated the essence of true Islamic brotherhood. For Allāmah al-Hillī, the goal of life was not to win debates or to force others into agreement, but to walk together in the pursuit of closeness to Allah (swt).

Their relationship serves as a beautiful reminder that Islamic friendship is not based on uniformity of belief or opinion. Rather, it is rooted in mutual respect, a shared love for the truth, and a common goal of seeking divine nearness. In a time when religious differences often led to conflict and division, Allāmah al-Hillī and al-‘Allāmah al-Ḥalabī demonstrated that genuine ukhūwwah fī-llāh (brotherhood for the sake of Allah) transcends labels, proving that the unity of purpose and love for Allah can bring together even the most disparate of individuals. Their friendship stands as an inspiring example for Muslims today, urging them to value the bonds of brotherhood over theological differences, and to work towards mutual understanding in the pursuit of the truth.

The Three Days of Hunger

It was the month of Ramadan in Medina, and the air was filled with the fragrance of freshly baked bread from the humble home of Imam Ali (a) and Sayyida Fatima (a). As the golden light of sunset signaled the time to break their fast, Imam Hasan (a) and Imam Hussain (a) eagerly sat down, their small hands reaching for the food they had longed for all day. The hunger they had felt since dawn made the meal even more precious.

Just as they were about to take their first bite, a faint knock echoed from the door. Sayyida Fatima (a) immediately rose and went to answer it. A poor beggar stood before her; his eyes full of desperation.

“O family of the Prophet,” he pleaded, “I am starving and have nothing to eat. Can you spare me some food?”

Imam Ali (a) looked at his family and smiled gently. Without hesitation, he motioned for his family to give everything they had. One by one, they handed their bread over to the beggar, leaving themselves with nothing but water. Despite their own hunger, they felt compassion for the man’s suffering.

That night, the family went to bed hungry, but their hearts were filled with contentment in their sacrifice for the sake of Allah.

The next day, they fasted again. As the sun set, signalling the time to break their fast, another knock came at the door. This time, it was an orphan, shivering from hunger. Sayyida Fatima (a) opened the door, and once again, the family gave up their food, placing their last meal in the hands of the orphan. They chose to remain hungry rather than turn someone away.

On the third night, after fasting throughout the day, the family prepared to eat, but another figure appeared at the door—a prisoner, frail and exhausted from captivity. His plea for food was met with the same selflessness. Imam Ali (a), Sayyida Fatima (a), Imam Hasan (a), and Imam Hussain (a) shared their remaining food with the prisoner, leaving nothing for themselves.

For three days, this noble family went without food, choosing sacrifice and compassion for others over their own comfort. Their devotion to Allah and care for others, even in their time of need, was a profound act of faith.

Allah, pleased with their selflessness, revealed Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9):

“They give food, despite their love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, (saying) ‘We feed you for the sake of Allah alone; we desire neither reward nor thanks from you.’”

On the fourth day, as their hunger became unbearable, Allah sent them heavenly sustenance as a divine reward. Their story became an eternal lesson: true fasting is not just abstaining from food, but practicing selflessness, compassion, and putting others before our own desires. The family of the Prophet’s example continues to inspire all who seek to live a life of generosity and humility.