Question
What is the translation of the word آخ in the following?
قيل لأبي بن كعب يا أبا المنذر عظني قال وآخ الإخوان على قدر تقواهم
Answer
This is part of some advices offered by Sayyiduna Ubayy ibn Ka’b (radiyallahu ‘anhu). Imam Abu Nu’aym and Bayhaqi (rahimahumallah) have recorded this narration.
(Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 9 pg. 121, Shu’abul Iman: 9002. Also see: Al Ikhwan of Ibn Abid Dunya: 47)
Translation
Associate closely [with people] in accordance to the level of their taqwa.
‘آخ’ means Associate closely/associate as brothers.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar