Hadith #836

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 noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who mingles with the wicked is not intelligent.

This statement emphasizes the importance of choosing our companions wisely and avoiding the company of those who engage in evil deeds.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The word (khalata) "خالَطَ" means to mix or associate with someone. In this context, it refers to socializing or spending time with individuals who possess wicked or immoral qualities. The term (al-ashrār) "الأشرارَ" refers to those who are wicked, evil, or engage in sinful behavior. Finally, the word (dhī maqūl) "ذي مَعْقُول" can be translated as "not intelligent" or "lacking understanding."

To support the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companions and avoiding those who lead us astray. In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 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 highlights the significance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who are devoted to Allah and engage in acts of worship.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am, verse 68, Allah warns us,

And when you see those who engage in [offensive] discourse concerning Our verses, then turn away from them until they enter into another conversation.

This verse advises us to distance ourselves from those who engage in sinful speech or ridicule the signs of Allah.

The consequences of mingling with the wicked are manifold. Firstly, it can lead to the erosion of our moral values and principles. When we constantly surround ourselves with individuals who engage in sinful behavior, we become desensitized to their actions and may be influenced to adopt their ways. This can result in a gradual decline in our spirituality and righteousness.

Secondly, associating with the wicked can have a negative impact on our reputation and character. People often judge us by the company we keep, and if we are seen mingling with those who are known for their wickedness, our own integrity may be called into question. This can tarnish our image in the eyes of others and hinder our ability to positively influence society.

Moreover, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his wisdom and knowledge, and his statement highlights the significance of intellectual discernment. By avoiding the company of the wicked, we can protect our intellect from being clouded by their negative influence and ensure that we make informed decisions based on sound judgment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of choosing our companions wisely and avoiding the company of those who engage in wickedness. By surrounding ourselves with righteous individuals, we can safeguard our moral values, protect our reputation, and preserve our intellectual discernment. May Allah guide us to make wise choices in our friendships and associations, and may He grant us the strength to distance ourselves from those who lead us astray.