Hadith #713

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,

مُجالَسَةُ الأبرارِ تُوجِبُ الشَّرَفَ۔

This translates to

Sitting in the company of the virtuous brings honour.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (mujalasatu) "مُجالَسَةُ" refers to sitting or associating with someone, while (al-abrar) "الأبرارِ" refers to the virtuous or righteous individuals. The term (tujibu) "تُوجِبُ" means to bring about or result in, and (ash-sharafa) "الشَّرَفَ" signifies honor or dignity.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous individuals and the positive impact it has on one's character and status. The company we keep has a profound influence on our thoughts, actions, and overall spiritual well-being. By associating with the virtuous, we are inspired to emulate their noble qualities and strive for righteousness ourselves.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of seeking the company of the righteous. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 18:28)

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 importance of surrounding oneself with those who remember and worship Allah, as their presence can strengthen our own faith and devotion.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Furqan, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the righteous as those who will be granted a high status in the Hereafter. He says, (Quran 25:27-29)

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. Oh, woe to me! I wish I had not taken that one as a friend. He led me away from the remembrance after it had come to me. And ever is Satan, to man, a deserter.'

This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of choosing the wrong company and the regret that follows.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to seek the company of the virtuous, as it not only brings honor in this world but also leads to spiritual growth and success in the Hereafter. When we surround ourselves with individuals who possess strong faith, knowledge, and good character, we are more likely to be guided towards righteousness and avoid the pitfalls of sin and temptation.

The consequences of sitting in the company of the virtuous are far-reaching. By observing their actions and listening to their words of wisdom, we gain valuable insights and learn from their experiences. Their positive influence can help us overcome challenges, make better decisions, and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Moreover, being in the presence of the virtuous instills a sense of accountability and encourages us to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of carefully selecting our companions and striving to be among those who are righteous. By actively seeking the company of the virtuous, we can elevate our own character, attain honor in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and inspire others to follow the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to choose our companions wisely and may He bless us with the company of the righteous.