Hadith #877

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مِنْ عَدَمِ العَقلِ مُصاحَبَةُ ذَوي الجَهلِ

which translates to

Associating with the ignorant stems from lack of intelligence.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable and wise individuals, and the detrimental consequences of associating with those who lack understanding and knowledge.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith. The word (lack) "عَدَمِ" refers to the absence or deficiency of something. In this context, it signifies the absence of intelligence or wisdom. (intelligence) "العَقلِ" refers to the ability to reason, understand, and make sound judgments. It encompasses intellectual capacity, knowledge, and discernment. (associating) "مُصاحَبَةُ" refers to companionship, social interaction, and spending time with others. Lastly, (the ignorant) "ذَوي الجَهلِ" refers to those who lack knowledge, understanding, and awareness.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and associating with the learned in several verses. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who are ignorant. Allah also encourages seeking knowledge in Surah Al-Mujadila (58:11),

Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.

The consequences of associating with the ignorant can be detrimental to one's spiritual and intellectual growth. The ignorant may lead us astray, propagate falsehoods, and hinder our pursuit of truth and righteousness. In Surah Al-An'am (6:116), Allah warns against following the ignorant,

And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying.

On the other hand, associating with the knowledgeable and wise individuals can have profound positive effects on our lives. They can guide us towards the path of righteousness, provide us with valuable insights, and help us develop a deeper understanding of our faith. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah describes the companionship of the righteous,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the importance of seeking the company of the learned and avoiding the ignorant. By associating with the ignorant, one risks being influenced by their ignorance, adopting their flawed perspectives, and losing sight of the truth. Conversely, by surrounding oneself with the knowledgeable, one can gain valuable insights, broaden their understanding, and strengthen their faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek knowledge, associate with the learned, and distance themselves from the ignorant. By doing so, we can safeguard our intellect, nurture our spiritual growth, and strive towards attaining true wisdom. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to discern between the knowledgeable and the ignorant, and guide us on the path of righteousness.