Hadith #823

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the company they keep. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and deep understanding of Islam, warns us about the potential harm that can arise from associating with individuals whose opinions are respected, but whose actions are evil.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (musahabah) "مُصاحَبَةَ" refers to companionship or association. It signifies the act of spending time with someone, sharing their company, and being influenced by their thoughts and actions. The word (yuqbalu) "يُقْبَلُ" means that their opinion is accepted or valued by others. On the other hand, (yunkaru) "يُنكَرُ" denotes the disapproval or rejection of their actions.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us 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 ayah emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous individuals who remember Allah and strive for His pleasure. It warns against associating with those who are heedless of Allah's remembrance and follow their own desires. The consequences of keeping the company of such individuals can be detrimental to our spiritual well-being and can lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

Another Quranic verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Mutaffifin (83:29-30):

Indeed, the record of the wicked is in sijjeen. And what can make you know what is sijjeen? It is [their destination recorded in] a register inscribed.

These verses remind us that the actions of individuals are recorded and accounted for. Therefore, associating with those whose actions are evil can have negative consequences not only in this world but also in the Hereafter. Just as the wicked are recorded in sijjeen, a register of their deeds, our own records will be influenced by the company we keep.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be cautious of such companions, as they can have a profound impact on our character and ultimately our fate. When we surround ourselves with individuals whose actions contradict their words, we risk being influenced by their negative behavior. This can lead to a deterioration of our own moral values and a deviation from the path of righteousness.

The motivation behind Imam Ali's warning is to protect the Muslim community from the harmful effects of hypocritical individuals. By highlighting the importance of discerning between words and actions, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to seek companions who embody the true teachings of Islam in both their speech and conduct.

The consequences of disregarding this advice can be far-reaching. Associating with individuals whose actions are evil can tarnish our reputation, compromise our integrity, and distance us from the mercy and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is essential for Muslims to be mindful of the company they keep and to strive for companions who inspire them to grow spiritually and adhere to the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the company they keep. By emphasizing the importance of discerning between words and actions, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to seek companions who embody the true teachings of Islam. Surrounding ourselves with individuals whose actions contradict their words can have detrimental consequences on our spiritual well-being and our ultimate fate. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to choose righteous companions and protect us from the influence of those whose actions are evil.