Hadith #3492

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 pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مِنْ عَلاماتِ الإدْبارِ مُقارَنَةُ الأرْذالِ۔

This can be translated as:

From the signs of turning backward is accompanying the vile.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. (idbar) "إدْبار" refers to turning away or turning backward. It signifies a regression or retreat from the path of righteousness. (muqarana) "مُقارَنَةُ" means accompanying or associating with. And (al-ardhal) "الأرْذالِ" refers to the vile or despicable individuals.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 27:

And the Day the wrongdoer will bite on his hands [in regret] he will say, 'Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way.

This verse highlights the regret of those who did not follow the guidance of the Messenger (ﷺ) and chose to turn away from his teachings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mutaffifin, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the fate of those who associate themselves with the wrongdoers. In verse 29, He says:

Indeed, the record of the wicked is in sijjeen.

Sijjeen is a place of punishment for the wicked. This verse emphasizes the consequences of associating with the vile and wicked individuals.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious about the company they keep. It highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous and virtuous individuals, as they have a positive influence on our character and actions.

When we choose to accompany the vile, we expose ourselves to their negative traits and behaviors. Their influence can lead us astray from the path of righteousness, causing us to regress in our faith and moral values. This regression can manifest in various aspects of our lives, including our relationships, actions, and overall spiritual well-being.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words in this Hadith reflect his understanding of human nature and the importance of choosing the right companions. By associating with the vile, we risk compromising our own integrity and jeopardizing our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to be mindful of the company they keep and to strive to surround themselves with individuals who are righteous, pious, and morally upright. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the negative influences of the vile and ensure that our actions and character align with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious about the company they keep. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with virtuous individuals and avoiding the association with the vile. By doing so, we can safeguard our faith, protect our character, and maintain a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to choose righteous companions and protect us from the negative influences of those who turn away from His path.