Hadith #880

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا خَيْرَ في صَديق ضَنين.

This means,

There is no good in a stingy (or suspicious) friend.

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

The word (sadiq) "صَديق" in Arabic refers to a friend or companion. It signifies a person with whom one shares a close bond and trust. The term (dhanin) "ضَنين" can be translated as stingy or suspicious. It implies a person who is reluctant to give or share, or someone who is constantly doubtful or mistrustful.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of good companionship in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 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 highlights the value of surrounding oneself with righteous and pious individuals who remind us of Allah and encourage us towards goodness.

On the other hand, the Quran also warns against the company of those who are stingy or suspicious. In Surah Al-Furqan, verse 28, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the characteristics of the servants of the Most Merciful, stating,

And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes).

This verse emphasizes the importance of moderation in spending and discourages both excessive spending and stinginess.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises the believers,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding suspicion and negative assumptions about others, as it leads to sin and harm within relationships.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. A stingy or suspicious friend is detrimental to our spiritual and emotional well-being. Such a friend may be hesitant to offer support or assistance when needed, and their constant doubt and mistrust can create a toxic atmosphere of negativity and suspicion.

A stingy friend may be reluctant to share their resources, time, or knowledge, hindering our growth and development. They may prioritize their own self-interests over the well-being of others, leading to a lack of generosity and compassion. This goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of selflessness, kindness, and generosity towards others.

Moreover, a suspicious friend constantly doubts the intentions and actions of others, which can erode trust and create a sense of unease within the relationship. This negativity can hinder open communication, mutual understanding, and the building of strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims to carefully choose their companions and friends. We should seek out those who embody the qualities of righteousness, generosity, and trustworthiness. Surrounding ourselves with such individuals will not only bring us closer to Allah, but it will also contribute to our personal growth and well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

لا خَيْرَ في صَديق ضَنين

warns us about the negative impact of having a stingy or suspicious friend. It reminds us of the importance of choosing companions who embody the values of generosity, trust, and righteousness. By following this guidance, we can cultivate healthy and beneficial relationships that contribute to our spiritual growth and well-being as Muslims. May Allah guide us in choosing righteous companions and grant us the wisdom to be good friends to others.