Hadith #742

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لاتَطْلُبَنَّ الإخاءَ عِندَ أهْلِ الجَفاءِ واطلُبْهُ عِندَ أهلِ الحِفاظِ والوَفاءِ۔

This can be translated as,

Do not seek brotherhood [and friendship] among the uncouth people, rather seek it among the trustworthy and loyal people.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this statement of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), let us delve into the meanings of some important words in this Hadith.

The word (ikhā') "إخاء" refers to brotherhood or friendship. It signifies a bond of love, trust, and loyalty between individuals. Seeking brotherhood is a natural inclination of human beings, as we are social creatures who thrive on connections and relationships.

The word (ahl al-jafā') "أهْلِ الجَفاءِ" refers to the uncouth people. These are individuals who lack refinement, manners, and moral values. They may exhibit harshness, rudeness, and a lack of consideration for others. Seeking brotherhood among such people can be detrimental to one's well-being and spiritual growth.

On the other hand, the phrase (ahl al-hifā' wal-wafā') "أهلِ الحِفاظِ والوَفاءِ" refers to the trustworthy and loyal people. These are individuals who possess noble qualities such as integrity, honesty, and sincerity. They are reliable companions who will stand by you in times of need and adversity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be discerning in choosing our companions and friends. It is essential to surround ourselves with individuals who share our values, principles, and aspirations. Seeking brotherhood among the trustworthy and loyal people ensures that our relationships are based on mutual respect, support, and righteousness.

This guidance from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds resonance in the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companions and warns against befriending those who may lead us astray.

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. 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 verse highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who are devoted to the worship of Allah and seek His pleasure. These are the people who will inspire us to remain steadfast on the path of righteousness and remind us of our ultimate purpose in life.

In Surah Al-Furqan, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of befriending those who are misguided. He says, (Quran 25:27-29)

And [mention, O Muhammad], 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. He led me away from the remembrance after it had come to me. And ever is Satan, to man, a deserter.'

These verses highlight the regret and remorse that will be experienced by those who chose the wrong companions in this world. The influence of misguided friends can lead one astray and distance them from the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Therefore, it is crucial to seek brotherhood and friendship among those who will remind us of our spiritual obligations and help us stay on the right path.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the company they keep. Our companions can greatly impact our character, actions, and spiritual well-being. By seeking brotherhood among the trustworthy and loyal people, we can create an environment of love, support, and righteousness that will enable us to grow and flourish as Muslims.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to be selective in choosing our companions and friends. By seeking brotherhood among the trustworthy and loyal people, we can ensure that our relationships are based on mutual respect, support, and righteousness. This guidance aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who will inspire and guide us on the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our companions wisely and bless us with righteous friendships.