Hadith #668

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

When the sins of a friend increase, the joy of being with him decreases.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (dhunub) "ذُنوبُ" refers to sins or transgressions. It encompasses all actions, thoughts, or intentions that go against the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (sadiq) "صَّديقِ" means a friend or companion. It refers to someone with whom we have a close and sincere relationship.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:24),

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah intervenes between a man and his heart and that to Him you will be gathered.

This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to the call of Allah and His Messenger, as it brings life to our hearts. It implies that our connection with Allah and His Messenger should be our utmost priority.

When the sins of a friend increase, it implies that they are moving away from the path of righteousness and distancing themselves from Allah's commandments. This distancing affects the spiritual atmosphere and the joy of being with such a friend decreases. The decrease in joy is not due to any personal animosity or judgment, but rather a consequence of the spiritual misalignment that occurs when a friend indulges in sinful behavior.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also states in Surah Al-Mutaffifin (83:29-30),

Indeed, the record of the wicked is in sijjeen. And what can make you know what is sijjeen? It is [their destination recorded in] a register inscribed.

These verses highlight the concept of accountability and the recording of our actions. When a friend's sins increase, it is a reminder that their actions are being recorded and will have consequences in the Hereafter. This realization can dampen the joy of being in their company, as it reminds us of the importance of striving for righteousness and avoiding sinful behavior.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding ridicule and disrespect towards others. When a friend's sins increase, it is crucial to maintain respect and compassion towards them, while also being mindful of the impact their actions may have on our own spiritual well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the spiritual consequences of a friend's increasing sins. It reminds us of the importance of prioritizing our connection with Allah and His Messenger, and the impact that the actions of our companions can have on our own spiritual state. It serves as a reminder to maintain respect and compassion towards others while being mindful of the influence they may have on our own spiritual journey. May Allah guide us all to righteousness and protect us from the path of sin.