Hadith #3385

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 pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

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

آفَةُ الخَيْرِ قَرينُ السُّوءِ

which translates to

The bane of goodness is an evil companion.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental impact that a bad companion can have on a person's pursuit of righteousness and goodness.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (afatu) "آفَةُ" refers to a calamity, a plague, or a destructive element. It signifies something that brings harm and ruin. The word (al-khayr) "الخَيْرِ" means goodness, righteousness, and virtue. It encompasses all actions and qualities that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (qarinu) "قَرينُ" refers to a companion, an associate, or someone who is closely connected to another person. Lastly, the word (as-su) "السُّوءِ" means evil, wickedness, and immorality.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the influence of bad companions by saying,

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 emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous companions who remind us of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to please Him. These individuals serve as a source of inspiration, guidance, and support on the path of righteousness. Conversely, associating with those who are heedless of Allah's remembrance and follow their own desires can lead us astray and hinder our spiritual growth.

Another verse that sheds light on the significance of choosing good companions can be found in Surah Al-Furqan (25:27-29), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the Day of Judgment and the regret of the wrongdoers. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And 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 remorse of those who followed the wrong path and were led astray by their companions. They express the regret of not choosing the company of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and those who reminded them of Allah's remembrance. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of selecting righteous companions who will guide us towards the straight path.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the profound impact that our companions have on our spiritual journey. A good companion can uplift and inspire us to perform righteous deeds, while an evil companion can lead us towards sinful actions and distance us from the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The influence of our companions can shape our character, beliefs, and actions.

Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to be mindful of the company they keep and to surround themselves with individuals who encourage and support their pursuit of goodness and righteousness. By choosing righteous companions, we can strengthen our faith, enhance our moral character, and increase our devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Conversely, associating with those who lead us astray can have severe consequences on our spiritual well-being and hinder our progress towards attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be cautious in choosing their companions. It highlights the detrimental impact that an evil companion can have on our pursuit of goodness and righteousness. By surrounding ourselves with righteous individuals who remind us of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to please Him, we can safeguard our faith, strengthen our character, and ensure our spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in selecting righteous companions and protect us from the influence of those who may lead us astray.