Hadith #675

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِئسَ القَرينُ العدُوُّ۔" which translates to

How evil a colleague the enemy is!

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of their companions and associations.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (bi'sa) "بِئسَ" means "evil" or "wretched," emphasizing the negative nature of the subject being discussed. (al-qareen) "القَرينُ" refers to a companion or associate, someone who is closely connected to an individual. Finally, (al-'aduww) "العدُوُّ" signifies an enemy, someone who opposes and harbors ill intentions towards another.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Anfal (8:28),

And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward.

This verse reminds us that the people we associate with can have a significant impact on our lives. Just as our possessions and children can be a test, so too can our companions. Therefore, it is crucial to choose our companions wisely, as they can either lead us towards righteousness or towards evil.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us,

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 treating even those who are not our enemies with fairness and justice. However, it also reminds us to be cautious and discerning in our relationships, especially with those who harbor enmity towards us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that associating with enemies can have detrimental consequences. When we surround ourselves with individuals who oppose our values and principles, we expose ourselves to their negative influence. This can lead us astray from the path of righteousness and compromise our faith.

For example, if a Muslim befriends someone who constantly engages in sinful activities or promotes ideologies contrary to Islam, they may find themselves gradually adopting those behaviors or beliefs. The negative influence of such companions can erode one's faith and lead them towards a path of disobedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Conversely, if a Muslim surrounds themselves with righteous and pious individuals who strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), they will be motivated to improve themselves and remain steadfast in their faith. The company of such individuals can serve as a source of inspiration, guidance, and support on the journey towards attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of their companions and associations. It highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who share our values and strive towards righteousness. By choosing our companions wisely, we can protect ourselves from the negative influence of enemies and ensure that our journey towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is one of steadfastness and obedience. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in selecting righteous companions and protect us from the harm of evil associations.