Hadith #629

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الرَّفيقُ كالصَّديقِ فَاخْتَرَهُ مُوافِقاً۔

This can be translated as,

An associate is like a friend, so choose one who is suitable.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ar-rafiq) "الرَّفيقُ" refers to an associate or a companion. It signifies someone who accompanies and shares experiences with another person. The word (as-sadiq) "الصَّديقِ" means a friend, someone who is sincere, trustworthy, and loyal. It is important to note that the word "الصَّديقِ" is derived from the same root as the Arabic word for truth, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity in a friendship.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to choose our associates wisely, just as we would choose our friends. This implies that the qualities we seek in a friend should also be present in our associates. We should select individuals who are compatible with our values, beliefs, and aspirations. By doing so, we ensure that our associations are beneficial and conducive to our personal growth and development.

To further understand the significance of this advice, 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.

This verse highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous individuals who remind us of our purpose and encourage us to seek Allah's pleasure.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Furqan, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the Day of Judgment, saying, (Quran 25:27-28)

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.'

This verse serves as a warning, highlighting the regret of those who choose the wrong companions in this world. It emphasizes the importance of selecting associates who guide us towards righteousness and the path of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice encourages us to reflect on the impact our associations have on our character, actions, and ultimately, our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Choosing suitable associates who share our values and aspirations can have a profound effect on our spiritual journey. They can provide us with support, guidance, and inspiration, helping us to stay steadfast in our faith and strive for excellence.

Conversely, associating with individuals who do not align with our values can lead us astray and hinder our progress. They may influence us towards negative behavior, compromise our morals, and distract us from our spiritual goals. Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of the company we keep and to choose associates who will uplift and encourage us in our pursuit of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound advice serves as a reminder for all Muslims to carefully select their associates. By choosing suitable companions who embody the qualities of a true friend, we can create an environment that nurtures our faith and facilitates our journey towards Allah's pleasure. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our associates wisely and bless us with righteous companions who inspire us to be better Muslims.