Hadith #6770

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic phrase "مَنِ اخْتَبَرَ اِعْتَزَلَ" from the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) can be translated as

One who tests [the people who love this world] secludes himself [from them].

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

The word (ikhtabar) "اخْتَبَرَ" comes from the root (khabara) "خَبَرَ", which means to test, examine, or scrutinize. It implies putting someone or something to the test in order to ascertain their true nature, intentions, or loyalty. In this context, it refers to testing the people who are attached to the materialistic aspects of this world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises that when one encounters individuals who are solely focused on worldly possessions and desires, it is better to (i'tazala) "اِعْتَزَلَ", which means to seclude oneself or to distance oneself from them. This does not mean completely cutting off all ties, but rather maintaining a healthy distance and avoiding their negative influence.

This guidance from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28) about the dangers of being closely associated with those who are solely engrossed in the materialistic aspects of this world. He says,

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 ourselves with individuals who are focused on seeking Allah's pleasure and remembering Him. By doing so, we protect ourselves from being influenced by the allurements of this world and the negative traits that may accompany them. It is through this seclusion from those who prioritize worldly gains that we can safeguard our faith and maintain a strong connection with Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) guidance also aligns with the teachings of the Quran in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us,

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse highlights the importance of not associating with those who ridicule or belittle others. By distancing ourselves from such individuals, we protect our own hearts from being tainted by their negative behavior and attitudes. It is a means of preserving our faith and maintaining a positive and respectful environment.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of testing and evaluating the people around us, particularly those who are solely focused on worldly gains. By secluding ourselves from such individuals, we protect our faith, maintain a strong connection with Allah, and preserve our moral and spiritual well-being. This guidance is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of surrounding ourselves with those who seek Allah's pleasure and avoiding negative influences. May Allah grant us the wisdom to discern between those who are sincere in their pursuit of righteousness and those who are solely attached to the materialistic aspects of this world.