Hadith #845

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious in choosing their companions and to avoid associating with those who are wicked or morally corrupt. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be wary of such individuals, as they may deceive us by pretending to be friendly and offering us safety and security.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (iyyaka) "إيّاكَ" translates to "be careful" or "beware." It serves as a strong warning from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to Muslims, emphasizing the importance of being cautious in choosing our companions. The word (musahabah) "مُصاحَبَةَ" means "companionship" or "association." It refers to the act of spending time and forming relationships with others.

The term (al-ashrar) "الأشْرارِ" refers to the wicked or morally corrupt individuals. These are people who engage in sinful actions, disregard moral values, and may lead others astray. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against accompanying such individuals, as their influence can have detrimental effects on our faith and character.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companions and avoiding the company of the wicked. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

(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. 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 individuals who are devoted to the worship of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and who remind us of our purpose in life. By choosing righteous companions, we can strengthen our faith and protect ourselves from the negative influences of the wicked.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-An'am:

(Quran 6:22-23)

And [mention, O Muhammad], the Day We will gather them all together; then We will say to those who associated others with Allah, 'Where are your 'partners' that you used to claim [with Him]?' Then there will be no [excuse upon] examination except they will say, 'By Allah, our Lord, we were not those who associated.'

This verse serves as a reminder that on the Day of Judgment, the wicked and those who associated partners with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will disassociate themselves from their former companions who led them astray. It highlights the consequences of choosing the wrong companions and the importance of being cautious in our associations.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith is rooted in his profound knowledge and understanding of human nature. He recognized that the company we keep has a significant impact on our thoughts, actions, and overall character. Associating with the wicked can lead to moral corruption, deviation from the right path, and a weakening of our faith.

By cautioning us against accompanying the wicked, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to choose companions who will encourage us to strive for righteousness, adhere to moral values, and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Surrounding ourselves with individuals who are committed to their faith and who embody noble qualities will inspire us to become better Muslims and fulfill our purpose in life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to be cautious in choosing their companions. By avoiding the company of the wicked, we can protect ourselves from their negative influences and strive towards righteousness. Let us reflect on this profound advice and strive to surround ourselves with individuals who will uplift us spiritually and morally. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in selecting righteous companions and grant us the strength to distance ourselves from those who may lead us astray.