Hadith #6826

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

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

رُبَّ عَشير غَيْرُ حَبيب۔

This can be translated as,

Many an associate is not a close friend.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ashir) "عَشِير" in this Hadith refers to an associate or companion, someone with whom we interact and spend time. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that not every associate is a true friend. In our lives, we come across various people who may be friendly and pleasant on the surface, but they may not have our best interests at heart. They may not truly care for us or support us in times of need. This Hadith serves as a reminder to be cautious in choosing our companions and to differentiate between mere acquaintances and genuine friends.

The Quran provides guidance on the importance of choosing righteous companions. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 emphasizes the significance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who are devoted to the worship of Allah and seek His pleasure. Such companions will inspire and encourage us to strengthen our relationship with Allah and strive for righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:27), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the company of those who lead others astray, saying,

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.'

This verse highlights the regret of those who followed the wrong path and did not choose the company of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and his righteous companions. It serves as a reminder to seek the company of those who guide us towards the straight path.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds great wisdom and practical implications for our daily lives. It urges us to evaluate the sincerity and loyalty of those around us. We should strive to surround ourselves with individuals who genuinely care for our well-being, support us in our endeavors, and remind us of our responsibilities towards Allah and His creation.

Choosing the right companions has a profound impact on our spiritual and moral development. When we associate with righteous individuals, we are more likely to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and strive for moral excellence. Conversely, if we surround ourselves with those who do not prioritize their faith or engage in sinful behavior, we may be influenced to deviate from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also reminds us to be mindful of our own behavior as companions. We should strive to be true friends to others, offering sincere support, guidance, and love. The Quran encourages us to be compassionate and merciful towards one another, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder to choose our companions wisely and to differentiate between mere associates and true friends. It urges us to seek the company of those who are righteous, sincere, and supportive of our spiritual journey. By doing so, we can strengthen our relationship with Allah and strive for moral excellence. May Allah guide us in choosing righteous companions and grant us the wisdom to be true friends to others.