Hadith #6821

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِئسَ العَشيرُ الحَقُودُ۔" This can be translated as,

How evil an associate the spiteful person is!

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of associating with a spiteful individual.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (ashir) "عَشِير" refers to an associate or companion, someone with whom we spend our time and share our lives. The term (haqood) "حَقُود" denotes a person who is filled with spite, malice, and ill-will towards others.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companions and warns against associating with those who possess negative traits. In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 28, Allah says,

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 Muslims to surround themselves with individuals who are devoted to worship and seek the pleasure of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 27, Allah describes the Day of Judgment when the wrongdoers will regret their choice of companions. Allah says,

And [warn of] 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.'

This verse serves as a reminder that the company we keep can have a profound impact on our spiritual well-being and ultimate salvation.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith warns us about the dangers of associating with spiteful individuals. Such people harbor negative emotions and ill-intentions towards others, which can lead to discord, animosity, and harm. Their presence can poison the atmosphere and negatively influence those around them.

By highlighting the evil nature of a spiteful companion, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to be cautious in choosing their associates. It is crucial to surround ourselves with individuals who possess positive qualities, such as kindness, empathy, and sincerity. These righteous companions can uplift us spiritually, inspire us to do good, and contribute to our overall well-being.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to evaluate the character and intentions of those with whom they associate. It encourages us to seek companions who embody the teachings of Islam and strive for righteousness. By doing so, we can create an environment of love, harmony, and spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of choosing our companions wisely. It warns against associating with spiteful individuals who can have a detrimental effect on our spiritual well-being. By surrounding ourselves with righteous companions, we can foster an environment of positivity, love, and spiritual growth. May Allah guide us in selecting the best companions and protect us from the influence of those with ill intentions.