Hadith #688

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

A man’s friend is a sign of his intelligence and his speech is evidence of his merit.

This enlightening Hadith highlights the importance of choosing the right companions and the significance of one's speech in reflecting their character and worth.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (khalilu) "خَليلُ" refers to a close friend or companion, someone with whom one shares a deep bond and trust. (dalilun) "دَليلٌ" means a sign or indicator, something that points towards a particular quality or attribute. (aqlihi) "عَقْلِهِ" refers to one's intelligence or intellect, the ability to reason and make sound judgments. (kalamuhu) "كَلامُهُ" signifies one's speech or words, which serve as a means of communication and expression. (burhanu) "بُرهانُ" denotes evidence or proof, something that substantiates a claim or validates a position. Lastly, (fadlihi) "فَضْلِهِ" refers to one's merit, excellence, or virtue.

To further comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (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 surrounding oneself with righteous companions who are devoted to the worship of Allah. Such companions serve as a reflection of one's own intelligence and understanding of faith. Their company can inspire and guide us towards the path of righteousness, while their words and actions can provide evidence of their own merit and virtue.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:27-29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the company of those who engage in idle talk and falsehood:

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.'

These verses highlight the consequences of choosing companions who lead us astray from the remembrance of Allah. Our friends and associates have a significant impact on our thoughts, beliefs, and actions. If we associate with those who engage in idle talk, gossip, or falsehood, our own speech and character may be influenced negatively. On the other hand, if we choose companions who are wise, knowledgeable, and righteous, their words and actions will reflect their merit and virtue, and we will be inspired to emulate their example.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their choice of friends and the impact they have on our intellect, character, and spiritual growth. It urges us to seek companions who are intelligent, wise, and virtuous, as their friendship will enhance our own intelligence and reflect our own merit. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of guarding our speech, as it serves as evidence of our own character and worth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of choosing the right companions and the impact of our speech on our character. It urges Muslims to seek friends who are intelligent and virtuous, as their friendship will enhance our own intellect and reflect our own merit. Additionally, it reminds us to be mindful of our words, as they serve as evidence of our own worth and character. May Allah guide us in choosing righteous companions and grant us the wisdom to speak words that reflect our true merit.