Hadith #757

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

سَلِ (عنِ) الرَّفيقَِ قَبْلَ الطَّريقِ۔

This can be translated into English as,

Inquire about the companion [on the journey] before the route.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom contained within this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (sal) "سَلِ" means to inquire or ask, while (ar-rafiq) "الرَّفيقَِ" refers to the companion or the one who accompanies you. Lastly, (at-tariq) "الطَّريقِ" signifies the route or the journey itself.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of choosing the right companion before embarking on a journey. It highlights the significance of seeking knowledge about the character, beliefs, and conduct of the person who will accompany you. By doing so, one can ensure a harmonious and beneficial journey, both physically and spiritually.

The Quran also emphasizes the significance of choosing righteous companions and warns against the consequences of bad company. 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.

This verse encourages Muslims to seek the company of those who are devoted to Allah and engage in acts of worship.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 103:1-3)

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous individuals who encourage one another towards truth and patience.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a practical reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the company they keep. It urges us to inquire about the character and conduct of our companions before embarking on any journey, be it physical or spiritual. This is because the influence of our companions can have a profound impact on our own beliefs, actions, and spiritual well-being.

Choosing righteous companions can have numerous positive effects on our lives. They can motivate us to perform good deeds, remind us of our responsibilities towards Allah and His creation, and provide us with support and guidance during challenging times. Conversely, keeping bad company can lead us astray, encourage sinful behavior, and hinder our spiritual growth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous individuals. He understood that the company we keep shapes our character and influences our journey towards Allah. By inquiring about our companions before the route, we can safeguard ourselves from negative influences and ensure a path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of choosing the right companions before embarking on any journey. It reminds us to inquire about the character and conduct of those who will accompany us, as their influence can greatly impact our spiritual well-being. By seeking righteous companionship, we can enhance our journey towards Allah and strive for a life of piety and righteousness. May Allah guide us in selecting righteous companions and grant us the wisdom to surround ourselves with those who will benefit us in this world and the Hereafter.