Hadith #6651

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ قارَنَ ضِدَّهُ ضَنِيَ جَسَدَهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who accompanies his adversary exhausts his body.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the important words and concepts it contains.

The word (qarana) "قارَنَ" in Arabic means to accompany or be in close proximity to someone. It implies being in the presence of an adversary or someone with opposing views or beliefs. The word (diddahu) "ضِدَّهُ" refers to the adversary or opponent. And the word (daneya) "ضَنِيَ" means to exhaust or wear out.

To shed light on the profound wisdom contained in this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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. 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 emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companions and surrounding oneself with those who remember and worship Allah. It warns against accompanying those who are heedless of Allah's remembrance and follow their own desires. Such companions can lead one astray and exhaust their spiritual and physical energy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes this Quranic guidance. It highlights the detrimental effects of accompanying adversaries or individuals who hold opposing beliefs. When one constantly engages with those who oppose their values, it can lead to exhaustion, both physically and spiritually. This exhaustion can manifest in various ways, such as mental fatigue, emotional drain, and even physical ailments.

The consequences of accompanying adversaries can be seen in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his people. In Surah Al-An'am, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) recounts the dialogue between Prophet Ibrahim and his people, who were engaged in idol worship. Despite Prophet Ibrahim's sincere efforts to guide them to the truth, his people persisted in their disbelief and rejected his message. This constant interaction with his adversaries took a toll on Prophet Ibrahim's physical and emotional well-being.

Similarly, in our daily lives, when we surround ourselves with individuals who oppose our values or constantly engage in arguments and debates, it drains our energy and hinders our spiritual growth. It distracts us from focusing on our own self-improvement and the remembrance of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to carefully choose their companions and be mindful of the impact they have on our well-being. It encourages us to seek the company of those who share our values, who remind us of Allah, and who inspire us to strive for righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of being cautious about the company we keep. It warns us against accompanying adversaries, as it can exhaust us physically and spiritually. By surrounding ourselves with righteous companions and avoiding constant engagement with those who oppose our values, we can protect our well-being and focus on our journey towards Allah's pleasure. May Allah guide us to choose our companions wisely and grant us the strength to uphold our faith.