Hadith #864

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Accompany the virtuous and you will become one of them; separate yourself from the evil people and you will be dissociated from them.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of choosing our companions wisely and the impact they have on our character and actions.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (qarin) "قارِنْ" means to accompany or be in the company of someone. It implies being in close association with individuals and sharing their values, beliefs, and actions. On the other hand, the word (bayin) "بايِنْ" means to separate or dissociate oneself from others. It signifies distancing oneself from those who possess negative qualities and engage in harmful actions.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the influence of companionship on our character and actions. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of keeping bad company by stating, (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

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us to seek the company of the righteous, saying, (Quran 8:24)

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah intervenes between a man and his heart and that to Him you will be gathered

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that our companions can greatly influence our behavior, beliefs, and overall character. When we surround ourselves with virtuous individuals, their positive traits and actions will naturally rub off on us. We will be inspired to emulate their righteousness and strive for spiritual growth. Just as a person who spends time with scholars and pious individuals will gain knowledge and piety, associating with the virtuous will elevate our own moral standards.

Conversely, when we choose to distance ourselves from those who engage in evil deeds, we protect ourselves from being influenced by their negative behavior. By dissociating from such individuals, we safeguard our faith, values, and integrity. This separation allows us to maintain our moral compass and avoid being swayed by the temptations and vices that may surround us.

The consequences of our choice of companionship are far-reaching. If we choose to accompany the virtuous, we will be counted among them and reap the rewards of their righteous actions. Conversely, if we associate with those who engage in evil, we risk being implicated in their sins and face the consequences of their actions. This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder that our companionship has a profound impact on our spiritual journey and ultimate destiny.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should evaluate our own circle of friends and acquaintances. Are they individuals who inspire us to be better Muslims, who encourage us to seek knowledge, and who remind us of our responsibilities towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ)? Or are they individuals who lead us astray, who engage in sinful behavior, and who distract us from our spiritual path? It is crucial for us to surround ourselves with individuals who uplift us and help us grow closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of choosing our companions wisely. By accompanying the virtuous, we align ourselves with their positive qualities and actions, ultimately becoming one of them. Conversely, by separating ourselves from those who engage in evil, we protect ourselves from their negative influence and dissociate ourselves from their actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in selecting righteous companions and grant us the strength to distance ourselves from those who lead us astray.