Hadith #792

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ جالَسَ الجُهّالَ فَلْيَستَعِدَّ لِلْقيلِ والقالِ۔

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the company they keep and the conversations they engage in.

Let us first analyze the key words in this Hadith. (jālasa) "جالَسَ" means "to sit" or

to be in the company of.

(al-juhāl) "الجُهّالَ" refers to "the ignorant" or "those lacking knowledge." (falyastaʿidda) "فَلْيَستَعِدَّ" means "should be prepared" or "should be ready." (li-l-qīli wal-qāli) "لِلْقيلِ والقالِ" translates to

for fruitless talk and gossip.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, avoiding ignorance, and surrounding ourselves with those who possess wisdom and understanding.

In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who lack it. It reminds us that sitting in the company of the ignorant can lead to unproductive discussions and futile arguments.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11), Allah advises,

O you who have believed, when you are told, 'Space yourselves' in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you.

This verse encourages believers to create physical and metaphorical space between themselves and those who engage in idle talk or gossip. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from being influenced by negative conversations and maintain a focus on beneficial discussions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a practical reminder for Muslims to be cautious about the company they keep. Sitting with the ignorant can lead to engaging in unproductive conversations, wasting time, and potentially being influenced by harmful ideas or behaviors.

By surrounding ourselves with knowledgeable individuals, we can engage in meaningful discussions, gain valuable insights, and enhance our understanding of Islam. The company we keep has a profound impact on our character, beliefs, and actions. Therefore, it is essential to seek companionship with those who are knowledgeable, righteous, and sincere in their pursuit of Islamic knowledge.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the company they keep and the conversations they engage in. It urges us to seek knowledge, avoid ignorance, and surround ourselves with individuals who possess wisdom and understanding. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from fruitless talk and gossip, and instead, engage in discussions that contribute to our spiritual growth and development as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in choosing righteous companions and grant us the wisdom to engage in beneficial conversations.