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.