Hadith #665

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he explains the meaning behind the word (comrade) "rafiq" and its significance in the context of religion. The word "rafiq" is derived from the Arabic root "rafq" which means to be gentle, kind, and compassionate. It is used to describe a companion or a friend who supports and encourages one in their religious journey.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the reason why a comrade is called "rafiq" is because they guide and assist you in improving your religion. They are concerned about your spiritual well-being and actively help you in strengthening your faith. This is a beautiful reminder of the importance of having righteous companions who uplift and inspire us on the path of righteousness.

The concept of having righteous companions and seeking their assistance in matters of faith is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 28:

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.

This verse highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous companions who constantly remember and worship Allah. Their presence and influence can have a profound impact on our spiritual growth and development. They serve as a source of encouragement, guidance, and support in our journey towards improving our faith.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also emphasizes the significance of seeking assistance and advice from those who are knowledgeable and wise. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 20, Allah says:

O you who have believed, obey Allah and His Messenger and do not turn from him while you hear [his order].

This verse reminds us of the importance of following the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and seeking knowledge from him. Similarly, we should seek guidance from those who possess knowledge and understanding of the religion, such as the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who are the inheritors of the Prophet's knowledge and wisdom.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to actively seek companions who will assist them in improving their faith. These companions should be individuals who encourage us to perform good deeds, remind us of our religious obligations, and guide us towards righteousness. They should be concerned about our spiritual well-being and strive to help us in our journey towards Allah.

On the other hand, this hadith also reminds us of our own responsibility to be a good comrade to others. We should strive to assist and support our fellow Muslims in their religious journey, just as we would want them to assist and support us. By doing so, we can create a community that is united in their pursuit of righteousness and collectively striving towards the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith highlights the importance of having righteous companions who encourage and assist us in improving our faith. It reminds us of the significance of seeking guidance from knowledgeable individuals and surrounding ourselves with those who constantly remember and worship Allah. May Allah bless us with righteous companions and grant us the ability to be a source of support and guidance for others.