Hadith #711

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,

Enmity with the honourable is safer than friendship with the wicked.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the importance of choosing one's companions and associates wisely. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words.

The word (mu'adat) "مُعاداةُ" refers to enmity or opposition. It signifies a state of conflict or animosity towards someone. (al-karim) "الكَريمِ" refers to the honorable or noble person, one who possesses noble qualities such as generosity, kindness, and righteousness. On the other hand, (al-la'im) "اللَّئيمِ" refers to the wicked or ignoble person, one who lacks moral values and engages in evil deeds.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 emphasizes the regret of the wrongdoer who did not choose the path of righteousness and did not associate with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mutaffifin, verses 32-33, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And when Our verses are recited to him, he says, 'Legends of the former peoples.' No! Rather, the stain has covered their hearts of that which they were earning.

These verses highlight the consequence of associating with the wicked, as it leads to the corruption of one's heart and the rejection of the truth.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious in choosing their companions and associates. It teaches us that it is better to be in opposition to a noble person, who upholds moral values and righteousness, than to be in friendship with a wicked person who engages in evil deeds. This is because the influence of the wicked can lead one astray, corrupt their character, and distance them from the path of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge, wisdom, and piety. His statement in this Hadith reflects his deep understanding of human nature and the importance of surrounding oneself with virtuous individuals. By choosing to be in opposition to the honorable, one is more likely to be protected from the negative influences and temptations that the wicked may bring.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to carefully choose their companions and associates. It highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with honorable individuals who embody noble qualities and uphold moral values. By doing so, one can safeguard their faith, protect their character, and strive towards righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in making wise choices in our relationships and grant us the strength to distance ourselves from the wicked.