Hadith #2996

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 righteous companions.

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

مِنْ أعْظَمِ الْحُمْقِ مُواخاةُ الفُجّارِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

Establishing brotherhood with the vicious is from the greatest [acts of] foolishness.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by analyzing its key words. The word (a'zam) "أعْظَمِ" means "greatest" or "most significant." (humaq) "الْحُمْقِ" refers to "foolishness" or "stupidity." (muwakhah) "مُواخاةُ" means "establishing brotherhood" or "forming close ties." Finally, (al-fujjar) "الفُجّارِ" refers to "the vicious" or "the wicked."

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companions and avoiding the company of those who engage in evil deeds. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 28, Allah says,

And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward.

This verse reminds us that the material possessions and worldly relationships we have are merely tests from Allah, and our true reward lies with Him.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 27, Allah warns us about the consequences of befriending the wicked:

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 and remorse that the wrongdoers will experience on the Day of Judgment, wishing they had followed the path of the Messenger (ﷺ) and chosen righteous companions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious in selecting their companions and forming close relationships. By establishing brotherhood with the wicked, one exposes themselves to their negative influence and risks being led astray from the path of righteousness.

The consequences of such companionship can be detrimental to one's faith and moral character. The wicked may encourage and engage in sinful acts, leading the individual away from the teachings of Islam. This can result in a decline in spirituality, a weakened connection with Allah, and a deviation from the path of guidance.

On the other hand, choosing righteous companions who fear Allah and strive to uphold His commandments is essential for personal growth and spiritual development. The company of the pious can inspire and motivate individuals to increase their acts of worship, seek knowledge, and strive for moral excellence. The righteous friends can serve as a source of support, guidance, and encouragement on the journey towards attaining closeness to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening saying serves as a timeless lesson for Muslims of all generations. It reminds us to be mindful of the company we keep and to prioritize the formation of close ties with those who share our values and aspirations. By surrounding ourselves with righteous individuals, we create an environment conducive to spiritual growth and protection from the negative influences of the wicked.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns Muslims against establishing brotherhood with the wicked, as it is considered one of the greatest acts of foolishness. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of choosing righteous companions and avoiding the company of those who engage in evil deeds. By heeding this advice, Muslims can safeguard their faith, nurture their spirituality, and strive towards attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to choose righteous companions and protect us from the influence of the wicked.