Hadith #849

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "كَفى بِالصُّحْبَةِ إخْتِبارَاً۔" which translates to

Accompanying a person [for some time] is sufficient to evaluate him.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of observing and assessing individuals through their companionship and interactions.

The word (suhbah) "صُّحْبَةِ" in this Hadith refers to companionship or association. It implies spending time with someone, engaging in conversations, and observing their behavior and character. It is through this companionship that one can truly understand the essence of a person and evaluate their true nature.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the significance of choosing righteous companions and warns against the detrimental effects of bad company. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28):

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 individuals who are devoted to the worship of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By being in the company of such people, one can strengthen their faith, seek guidance, and avoid the distractions and temptations of the worldly life.

Furthermore, the Quran warns against the influence of bad companionship in Surah Al-Furqan (25:27-29):

And [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. 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 illustrate the regret of those who followed the wrong path due to the influence of their companions. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious in choosing their companions and to seek the company of those who will guide them towards righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith highlights the profound impact that companionship can have on an individual. By spending time with someone, observing their actions, and engaging in meaningful conversations, we can gain insights into their true character, values, and beliefs.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the company they keep. Surrounding oneself with righteous individuals who are committed to the teachings of Islam can have a positive influence on one's own faith and actions. On the other hand, being in the company of those who are negligent of Allah's remembrance and follow their own desires can lead one astray.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of evaluating individuals through their companionship. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which highlight the significance of choosing righteous companions and warn against the negative influence of bad company. Muslims are encouraged to be mindful of the company they keep and to seek the companionship of those who will guide them towards righteousness and the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our companions wisely and to be a positive influence on others.