Hadith #811

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us with great wisdom and insight. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words used in this Hadith.

The first word is (aql) "عَقْلُ", which refers to intellect or reason. It is the faculty of the mind that enables us to think, understand, and make rational decisions. The second word is (asl) "أَصْلُ", which means roots or foundation. It signifies the essential qualities, principles, and values that form the basis of a person's character and behavior.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us not to accompany or be in the company of those who have lost their minds, meaning those who lack sound judgment and rationality. Such individuals may have impaired thinking or decision-making abilities, and their actions may be unpredictable or harmful. The Imam warns us that associating with such people can lead to negative consequences and harm.

To support this advice, we can find a parallel in the Quran. In Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse highlights the importance of associating with those who are righteous and just, while not forbidding us from being kind and just towards those who do not harm us. It emphasizes the significance of choosing our companions wisely and aligning ourselves with those who possess good character and values.

The second part of the Hadith advises us not to seek good from those who are betrayed by their roots. This refers to individuals who have deviated from their virtuous principles and values, and have lost their moral compass. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that expecting good from such people can lead to disappointment and harm.

To further understand this advice, we can turn to Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

This verse narrates the story of Qarun, who was blessed with immense wealth and resources but became arrogant and oppressive. Despite his material possessions, his betrayal of his roots led to his downfall. It teaches us that seeking good from those who have lost their virtuous qualities can lead to negative consequences and disappointment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) concludes the Hadith by highlighting the consequences of associating with the insane and expecting good from those who lack virtuous roots. He states that the insane person, in his misguided belief, may harm you while thinking he is helping you. Similarly, the person who lacks virtuous roots may do evil to the one who does good to him.

Reflecting on this profound advice, we realize the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who possess sound judgment, rationality, and virtuous qualities. By doing so, we protect ourselves from harm and disappointment. It also reminds us to be cautious and discerning in our interactions, ensuring that we do not naively expect good from those who have deviated from their moral foundations.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to choose their companions wisely and to be cautious in their interactions. It emphasizes the significance of intellect, sound judgment, and virtuous values in our relationships. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to follow this advice and protect us from harm.