Hadith #7203

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "العاقل يألف مثله" which translates to

The intelligent one likes the company of those who are like him.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who possess similar qualities and virtues.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (aql) "عاقل" refers to an individual who possesses intelligence, wisdom, and understanding. It is someone who has the ability to discern between right and wrong, and makes rational decisions based on knowledge and insight.

The word (ya'laaf) "يألف" means to be inclined towards or to be fond of. It signifies a deep connection and affinity towards something or someone. In this context, it refers to the inclination of the intelligent person towards the company of those who possess similar qualities and virtues.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous individuals. 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.

This verse highlights the significance of being in the company of those who are devoted to the worship of Allah and seek His pleasure.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 46, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obeying Allah and His Messenger, and not engaging in disputes that weaken the Muslim community. It encourages Muslims to seek strength and support from one another, fostering unity and solidarity.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides a practical application of these Quranic teachings. It teaches us that intelligent individuals, those who possess wisdom and understanding, naturally gravitate towards the company of like-minded individuals. This inclination is rooted in the desire for growth, learning, and spiritual development.

When an intelligent person surrounds themselves with individuals who possess similar qualities, they create an environment conducive to personal and collective growth. They engage in meaningful discussions, exchange knowledge, and inspire one another to strive for excellence. This collective effort leads to the development of a strong and virtuous community.

Conversely, if an intelligent person were to surround themselves with individuals who lack wisdom and understanding, they would be exposed to negative influences that hinder their growth and development. The Quran warns against such associations in Surah Al-Mutaffifin, verse 29:

Indeed, the record of the wicked is in sijjeen.

Sijjeen refers to a place of punishment for the wicked. This verse serves as a reminder to Muslims to be cautious of the company they keep, as it can have a profound impact on their spiritual well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who possess similar qualities and virtues. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of seeking the company of righteous individuals and avoiding associations that may lead to spiritual decline. By choosing to be in the company of those who are like them, intelligent individuals create an environment conducive to growth, learning, and spiritual development. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our companions wisely and bless us with the company of the righteous.