Hadith #785

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of choosing companions wisely. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to keep the company of those individuals who value our presence and cannot do without us. This implies that we should surround ourselves with people who genuinely care for us and appreciate our companionship.

The Arabic phrase

إصحَبْ مَنْ لا تَراهُ إلاّ وكَأنّهُ لاغَناءَ بِهِ عَنْكَ

can be translated as

Keep the company of one whom you find cannot do without you.

The word "إصحَبْ" means

keep the company of

or "associate with." "مَنْ" refers to "one" or "whom." "لا تَراهُ إلاّ" means

whom you find cannot do without you.

The phrase

وكَأنّهُ لاغَناءَ بِهِ عَنْكَ

can be translated as

as if he was the one at fault.

It signifies that even if we do something wrong to such a person, they respond with kindness, as if they were the ones who made a mistake.

This Hadith reminds us of the importance of maintaining relationships based on mutual respect, love, and understanding. It encourages us to seek companions who value our presence and appreciate our contributions. Such individuals are not only a source of support and comfort but also serve as a means of spiritual growth and development.

The Quran provides guidance on the importance of choosing righteous companions. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 the worship of Allah and seek His pleasure. Associating with such people can have a positive impact on our own spiritual journey.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:27), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of choosing bad companions. He says,

And the Day 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 serves as a reminder that the company we keep can influence our actions and ultimately determine our fate in the Hereafter. Therefore, it is crucial to select companions who inspire us towards righteousness and help us stay on the path of guidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith encourages us to evaluate our relationships and prioritize those that are based on mutual respect, kindness, and sincerity. When we surround ourselves with individuals who genuinely care for us and respond to our mistakes with forgiveness and goodness, it creates an environment of love and harmony. This not only strengthens our bonds but also fosters personal growth and character development.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified the qualities mentioned in this Hadith. His knowledge, wisdom, and patience were unparalleled. He was known for his ability to respond to even the harshest of criticisms with kindness and compassion. His companionship was sought after by many, and he was a source of guidance and inspiration for countless individuals.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of choosing our companions wisely. It encourages us to seek the company of those who value our presence and respond to our mistakes with kindness. By surrounding ourselves with individuals who inspire us towards righteousness, we can create an environment of love, growth, and spiritual development. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in selecting righteous companions and grant us the wisdom to nurture meaningful relationships.