Hadith #715

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

مُجالَسَةُ السِّفَلِ تُضْيئُ القُلُوبَ

which translates to

Sitting with people of low morals wears out the hearts.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of choosing our companions wisely and being cautious of the company we keep.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The term "مُجالَسَةُ" refers to sitting or associating with others. It implies a close and continuous interaction with individuals. "السِّفَلِ" refers to people of low morals or those who possess negative traits and engage in sinful behavior. These individuals may have corrupt values, engage in dishonesty, or indulge in immoral actions.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companions and avoiding those who lead us astray. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah 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 positive influence of righteous companionship and the impact it has on our hearts.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of associating with those who have low morals. He says, (Quran 25:27-29)

And [mention, O Muhammad], the Day when 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'

This verse serves as a reminder of the negative impact that bad company can have on our spiritual well-being.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds immense wisdom and practicality. When we surround ourselves with individuals who possess low morals, their negative traits and actions can gradually influence our own behavior and mindset. We may find ourselves becoming desensitized to sin, compromising our values, and losing sight of our spiritual goals. This erosion of the heart can lead to a weakened connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and a decline in our overall spiritual well-being.

Conversely, if we choose to associate with individuals who possess high morals, strong faith, and a commitment to righteousness, their positive influence can uplift and enlighten our hearts. Their company can inspire us to strive for excellence, maintain our integrity, and remain steadfast in our faith. Surrounding ourselves with righteous companions can strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and help us navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and resilience.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the company we keep. By choosing companions who possess high morals and avoiding those who engage in sinful behavior, we can protect our hearts from wear and tear. Let us seek the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) to ensure that our associations nurture our spiritual growth and lead us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our companions wisely and protect our hearts from the negative influences of this world.