Hadith #840

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to be cautious when choosing their companions and to avoid sitting in the company of the ignorant. He compares this caution to the ease and comfort one feels when in the company of the intelligent.

The word (mujalasah) "مُجالِسَةَ" in the Arabic text refers to sitting or associating with someone. The term (al-jahil) "الجاهِلِ" refers to the ignorant or those lacking knowledge and understanding. On the other hand, (al-aqil) "العاقلِ" refers to the intelligent or those possessing wisdom and understanding.

This hadith emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable and wise individuals, as their company can have a profound impact on one's character, behavior, and overall development. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the influence that their companions can have on them.

The Quran supports this notion of choosing righteous companions and avoiding the company of those who are ignorant or misguided. In Surah Al-Kahf, 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 ayah highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who are devoted to the remembrance of Allah and seek His pleasure. It warns against associating with those whose hearts are heedless of Allah's remembrance and who are driven by their own desires.

Another verse that supports the message of this hadith is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

(Quran 25:68-70)

And those who do not invoke with Allah another deity or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed], except by right, and do not commit unlawful sexual intercourse. And whoever should do that will meet a penalty. Multiplied for him is the punishment on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein humiliated - Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.

This ayah highlights the importance of associating with individuals who adhere to the principles of monotheism, righteousness, and abstaining from major sins. It emphasizes the consequences that one may face if they choose to associate with those who engage in sinful behavior.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this hadith is rooted in the understanding that the company we keep has a significant impact on our spiritual, intellectual, and moral development. When we surround ourselves with individuals who are ignorant and lack knowledge, we expose ourselves to their negative influence, which can lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

Conversely, when we choose to associate with intelligent and wise individuals, we benefit from their knowledge, guidance, and positive influence. Their company can inspire us to seek knowledge, develop our intellect, and strive for moral excellence.

By heeding the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this hadith, Muslims can ensure that they are in the company of those who will uplift and inspire them to become better individuals. It serves as a reminder to seek out companions who are knowledgeable, wise, and righteous, and to distance ourselves from those whose ignorance may lead us astray.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of choosing our companions wisely and being cautious of the company we keep. It reminds us to seek the company of the intelligent and avoid sitting with the ignorant. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from negative influences and strive for spiritual, intellectual, and moral growth. May Allah guide us to surround ourselves with righteous companions and grant us the wisdom to discern between the knowledgeable and the ignorant.