Hadith #7282

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 noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises the intelligent person to seek the company of scholars and virtuous individuals, while avoiding the company of the evil and wicked ones. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (intelligent person) "عاقل" refers to someone who possesses wisdom, understanding, and the ability to discern between right and wrong. It is a quality that is highly praised in Islam and is encouraged for all believers to strive for. The intelligent person is one who seeks knowledge and surrounds themselves with those who are knowledgeable and righteous.

The word (association) "صُحْبَةِ" signifies the act of being in the company of others. It implies a close and continuous relationship, where one learns from and is influenced by the people they associate with. By emphasizing the importance of association, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of seeking knowledge and guidance from scholars and virtuous individuals.

The term (scholars) "العُلَماءِ" refers to those who have deep knowledge and understanding of Islamic teachings. They are individuals who have dedicated their lives to studying and interpreting the Quran and Sunnah. The Quran encourages Muslims to seek knowledge and consult with scholars in matters of religion. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Nahl, verse 43:

And We sent not before you except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message if you do not know.

Similarly, the term (virtuous ones) "الأبْرارِ" refers to those who are righteous, pious, and obedient to Allah's commands. They are individuals who strive to follow the teachings of Islam and lead a life of moral excellence. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous companions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 28:

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.

On the other hand, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises the intelligent person to (keep away from) "يَجْتَنِبَ" the company of the evil and wicked ones. This implies a deliberate avoidance of individuals who engage in sinful and immoral behavior. The Quran warns against the influence of evil companions and their detrimental effects on one's faith and character. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 28:

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.'

By following the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith, the intelligent person safeguards their faith, increases their knowledge, and nurtures their moral character. Associating with scholars and virtuous individuals allows one to gain wisdom, guidance, and spiritual growth. It provides an environment of learning and inspiration, where one can seek answers to their questions and deepen their understanding of Islam.

Conversely, avoiding the company of the evil and wicked ones protects one from falling into sin, temptation, and moral corruption. It shields the heart and mind from negative influences and ensures that one's actions and choices align with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to seek the company of scholars and virtuous individuals while avoiding the company of the evil and wicked ones. By doing so, we can nurture our faith, increase our knowledge, and strengthen our moral character. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our companions wisely and guide us on the path of righteousness.