Hadith #10851

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

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

لايُوادُّ الأشْرارَُ إلاّ أشْباهَُهُمْ۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as:

No one befriends the wicked except those who are like them.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us first delve into the important words used. The word (ashraar) "أشْرار" refers to the wicked or evil individuals, those who engage in sinful and immoral actions. The word (ashbaahuhum) "أشْباهَُهُمْ" means

those who are like them

or

those who resemble them.

This Hadith highlights the principle that righteous individuals should not associate themselves with the wicked. It serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should choose their companions wisely, as the company we keep can greatly influence our character and actions.

The Quran supports this principle in several verses. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:73), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And those who disbelieve are allies of one another. If you do not do so, there will be fitnah on the earth and great corruption.

This verse emphasizes the importance of not aligning oneself with those who reject faith, as it can lead to chaos and corruption.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:1), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

O you who have believed, do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies, extending to them affection while they have disbelieved in what came to you of the truth.

This verse cautions Muslims against forming close relationships with those who oppose the truth and reject the message of Islam.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a practical application of these Quranic teachings. By warning against befriending the wicked, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our associations should be based on shared values, principles, and morals. If we surround ourselves with individuals who engage in sinful behavior, we risk being influenced by their actions and straying from the path of righteousness.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-evaluation. It urges us to examine our own character and ensure that we are not resembling the wicked in any way. By distancing ourselves from the wicked, we protect ourselves from adopting their negative traits and behaviors.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to seek out companions who are righteous and virtuous. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who are committed to following the teachings of Islam can serve as a source of motivation and support in our own spiritual journey. Their positive influence can help us strengthen our faith, increase our knowledge, and improve our character.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the importance of choosing their companions wisely. It warns against befriending the wicked and emphasizes the need to surround ourselves with individuals who share our values and strive for righteousness. By adhering to this principle, we can protect ourselves from negative influences and strive towards spiritual growth and development. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in selecting righteous companions and grant us the strength to uphold our faith.