Hadith #752

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

It is better and more appropriate to associate with people of wisdom and intelligence.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who possess wisdom and intelligence. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (salah) "صَلاحِ" in Arabic refers to righteousness, rectitude, and goodness. It signifies the act of doing what is right and just. Similarly, (sawab) "صَوابِ" means correctness, soundness, and appropriateness. It implies aligning oneself with what is right and suitable.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to associate with (Uli al-Nuha) "أُولِي النُّهَى", which can be translated as people of wisdom or those who possess knowledge and understanding. These individuals have deep insight and understanding of the world around them. They are guided by divine knowledge and possess the ability to discern between right and wrong.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to associate with (al-albab) "الأَلْبَابِ", which refers to people of intelligence or those who possess intellectual acumen. These individuals possess the ability to think critically, analyze situations, and make informed decisions. They have a deep understanding of various matters and are able to provide valuable insights.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and associating with those who possess wisdom and intelligence. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who are ignorant.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Ankabut (29:43), Allah says,

And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding in order to comprehend the signs and examples presented by Allah.

By associating with people of wisdom and intelligence, we benefit from their knowledge and insights. They can guide us towards righteousness and help us make informed decisions. Their wisdom and intelligence serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for us to strive for excellence in our own lives.

Conversely, if we surround ourselves with individuals who lack wisdom and intelligence, we may be influenced by their ignorance and misguided actions. This can lead us astray and hinder our personal growth and development. Therefore, it is essential to choose our companions wisely and seek the company of those who possess knowledge and understanding.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of associating with people of wisdom and intelligence. By doing so, we can benefit from their knowledge, guidance, and insights. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the significance of seeking knowledge and surrounding ourselves with those who possess wisdom and understanding. As Muslims, let us strive to seek knowledge and associate with individuals who can inspire us to be better and make sound decisions in our lives.