Hadith #714

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مُصاحَبَةُ الأشرارِ تُوجِبُ التَّلَفَ۔

This can be translated as

Accompanying the wicked brings ruin.

Let us delve into the essence of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (musahabah) "مُصاحَبَةُ" refers to companionship or association with someone. It implies spending time with and being in the company of individuals. The word (al-ashrar) "الأشرارِ" refers to the wicked or the evil ones. These are individuals who engage in sinful and immoral behavior, deviating from the path of righteousness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 45:

Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous individuals and engaging in acts of worship, such as prayer. By doing so, we protect ourselves from falling into immorality and wrongdoing. The company we keep has a profound impact on our actions and character. If we choose to associate with the wicked, we expose ourselves to their negative influence, which can lead to our own ruin.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 28, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father Azar, 'Do you take idols as deities? Indeed, I see you and your people to be in manifest error.'

In this verse, Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his concern to his father, who was engaged in idol worship. Despite being his own father, Ibrahim recognized the negative influence of his father's companionship and the error in their beliefs. This serves as a reminder that even close relationships can lead us astray if they are not based on righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the importance of carefully choosing our companions and avoiding the company of the wicked. When we associate with those who engage in sinful behavior, we expose ourselves to their negative influence. This can lead to moral corruption, spiritual decline, and ultimately, our own ruin.

The consequences of accompanying the wicked are far-reaching. It not only affects our own spiritual well-being but also has societal implications. When individuals with corrupt morals gather together, their collective actions can have a detrimental impact on the community at large. This can lead to the spread of immorality, injustice, and social decay.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to surround ourselves with righteous individuals who inspire us to be better Muslims. The company of the pious can uplift our spirits, strengthen our faith, and guide us towards righteousness. By seeking companionship with those who embody the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah, we can protect ourselves from the ruinous consequences of associating with the wicked.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the company we keep. By avoiding the companionship of the wicked and seeking the company of the righteous, we can safeguard our faith, protect our character, and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in choosing our companions wisely and grant us the strength to distance ourselves from those who may lead us astray.