Hadith #9388

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 noble companions.

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

One who needs something from the vile ones has indeed been forsaken.

This statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their interactions with others, especially those who possess negative qualities or engage in immoral behavior.

Let us first analyze the key words in this Hadith. The word (la'ām) "لَئامِ" refers to the vile or despicable individuals. These are people who exhibit characteristics that are contrary to the teachings of Islam, such as dishonesty, immorality, and injustice. The word (hājah) "حاجَةٌ" means a need or requirement. So, the Hadith is highlighting the consequences of seeking assistance or relying on the vile individuals.

To understand the deeper meaning and implications of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous companions and avoiding the company of those who are corrupt. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), Allah says,

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.

This verse encourages Muslims to associate with those who are devout and seek Allah's pleasure.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:27), Allah warns against following the footsteps of the wicked, saying,

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.'

This verse highlights the regret of those who followed the wrong path and did not seek guidance from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his righteous companions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the consequences of seeking assistance or relying on the vile individuals. When one turns to such individuals for help, they are forsaken and left to their own devices. This is because the vile ones lack the moral compass and integrity to provide genuine support and guidance.

For example, if a person seeks financial assistance from someone involved in usury or illicit activities, they may receive temporary relief but will ultimately find themselves trapped in a cycle of sin and corruption. Similarly, seeking advice from someone known for their dishonesty or deceit may lead to misguided decisions and negative consequences.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious in their interactions and associations. It encourages us to seek assistance and guidance from individuals who possess noble qualities and adhere to the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we align ourselves with the path of righteousness and protect ourselves from the negative influences of the vile ones.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns Muslims about the consequences of relying on or seeking assistance from individuals who possess negative qualities. It urges us to surround ourselves with righteous companions and seek guidance from those who adhere to the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we protect ourselves from being forsaken and ensure that our actions align with the principles of faith and morality. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our companions wisely and seek assistance from those who will guide us towards righteousness.