Hadith #789

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 righteous companions.

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

مَنْ صَحِبَ الأشرارَ لَمْ يَسْلَمْ۔

This can be translated as,

One who accompanies evildoers will not be safe [from them].

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of choosing our companions wisely and the consequences that can arise from associating with those who engage in wrongful actions.

The word (sahiba) "صَحِبَ" in this Hadith refers to the act of accompanying or associating with someone. It implies a close and continuous connection with individuals. The word (al-ashrar) "الأشرارَ" refers to evildoers or those who engage in wicked actions. These are individuals who consistently commit sins and transgress against the boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companions and warns against the consequences of associating with those who engage in evil deeds.

In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:118)

O you who have believed, do not take as intimates those other than yourselves, for they will not spare you [any] ruin. They wish you would have hardship. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater. We have certainly made clear to you the signs, if you will use reason.

This verse highlights the danger of befriending those who are not believers or who engage in wicked actions. Such individuals may not have the best intentions for us and can lead us astray from the path of righteousness. Their words may be filled with hatred and their hearts may conceal even greater malice. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us to use our intellect and discernment when choosing our companions.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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 ourselves with righteous individuals who constantly remember and worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By being in the company of those who seek Allah's pleasure, we can find strength and patience in our own journey towards righteousness. On the other hand, associating with those who are heedless of Allah's remembrance and who follow their own desires can lead us astray and neglectful of our own spiritual growth.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that our companions have a significant impact on our spiritual and moral well-being. If we choose to accompany evildoers, we expose ourselves to their negative influences and may find ourselves engaging in sinful actions. This can lead to a loss of peace, safety, and ultimately, our spiritual well-being.

The consequences of associating with evildoers can be seen in various aspects of our lives. We may adopt their unethical behaviors, compromise our principles, and distance ourselves from the teachings of Islam. Moreover, the negative energy and corrupt values prevalent in such company can hinder our personal growth and prevent us from attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to choose their companions wisely, seeking those who are righteous, pious, and morally upright. By surrounding ourselves with individuals who strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we create an environment that encourages spiritual growth, fosters good character, and strengthens our connection with our Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious in selecting their companions. Associating with evildoers can have detrimental effects on our spiritual well-being and can lead us away from the path of righteousness. By seeking the guidance of the Quran and surrounding ourselves with righteous individuals, we can protect ourselves from the negative influences of those who engage in sinful actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our companions wisely and guide us on the straight path.