Hadith #791

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ أحْسَنَ المُصاحَبَةَ كثُرَ أصحابُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One whose company is good will have many companions.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (ahsan) "أحْسَنَ" means to excel, to be good, or to be excellent. It signifies the highest level of goodness and righteousness. The word (al-musaahabah) "المُصاحَبَةَ" refers to companionship or association with others. It implies the act of being in the company of someone, sharing experiences, and influencing one another.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companions and warns against the consequences of bad company. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), Allah says,

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.

This verse highlights the significance of surrounding oneself with individuals who are devoted to the worship of Allah and seek His pleasure.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:27), Allah mentions the Day of Judgment and the regret of those who followed the wrong path due to their choice of companions. He says,

And the Day the wrongdoer will bite on his hands [in regret] he will say, 'Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way.'

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the profound impact that our companions have on our lives. If we choose to associate ourselves with individuals who possess good character, knowledge, and piety, we will be influenced positively. Their righteous actions, wise counsel, and moral conduct will inspire us to improve ourselves and strive for excellence in all aspects of life.

Conversely, if we surround ourselves with those who lack moral values, engage in sinful activities, or have negative attitudes, we are likely to be influenced in a detrimental manner. Their actions and behaviors may lead us astray from the path of righteousness and hinder our spiritual growth.

The consequences of choosing good or bad companions are far-reaching. Good companionship leads to a virtuous and fulfilling life, while bad companionship can lead to spiritual and moral decline. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also emphasized the importance of choosing righteous companions when he said, (Sunan Abu Dawood)

A person is upon the religion of his close friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we realize that the quality of our companionship directly impacts our own character, actions, and ultimately our destiny. If we strive to be in the company of those who possess knowledge, wisdom, and piety, we will be surrounded by individuals who inspire us to become better Muslims. Their positive influence will lead us towards righteousness and increase our chances of attaining success in this life and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of choosing our companions wisely. By seeking the company of those who excel in goodness and righteousness, we can benefit from their knowledge, guidance, and positive influence. Let us strive to be in the company of those who bring us closer to Allah and inspire us to become better Muslims. May Allah guide us in selecting righteous companions and grant us the strength to be a source of goodness for others.