Hadith #800

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

في كُلِّ صُحْبَة اخْتيارٌ۔

This can be translated as,

In every companionship there is choice.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (suhbah) "صُحْبَة" in this Hadith refers to companionship or association with others. It encompasses the relationships we form with people, whether they are friends, colleagues, or acquaintances. This Hadith highlights the significance of choosing our companions wisely, as it implies that every companionship carries a certain level of influence and impact on our lives.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous and virtuous individuals. 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 encourages us to seek the company of those who are devoted to the worship of Allah and who remind us of our purpose in life.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Furqan, Allah describes the righteous servants as those who pray, (Quran 25:74)

Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous.

This verse highlights the importance of choosing righteous companions not only for ourselves but also for our families, as they have a profound impact on our spiritual growth.

Conversely, the Quran also warns us about the dangers of associating with those who lead us astray. In Surah Al-Furqan, Allah says, (Quran 25:27-29)

And [mention] 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 serves as a reminder that the company we keep can either guide us towards righteousness or lead us astray.

Therefore, when Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

In every companionship there is choice,

he is emphasizing the importance of consciously selecting our companions. Our companions can either uplift us, inspire us, and help us grow closer to Allah, or they can have a negative influence on our faith and lead us away from the path of righteousness.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the company they keep. It encourages us to reflect on the impact our companions have on our spiritual journey and to choose those who will support and encourage us in our pursuit of pleasing Allah. It also reminds us of the responsibility we have as individuals to be positive influences on those around us, striving to be the kind of companions that bring about goodness and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

In every companionship there is choice,

highlights the importance of selecting our companions wisely. It reminds us that our companions have a significant impact on our spiritual growth and urges us to surround ourselves with individuals who will guide us towards righteousness. May Allah guide us in choosing righteous companions and grant us the strength to be positive influences on others.