Hadith #718

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,

Sitting with the common people corrupts one’s habits.

This Hadith highlights the importance of choosing our companions wisely and being mindful of the influence they can have on our behavior and character.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The term (mujalasatu) "مُجالَسَةُ" refers to sitting or associating with others. It implies engaging in social interactions and spending time with people. The word (al-'awam) "العَوامِّ" refers to the common people, those who may not possess deep knowledge or spiritual insight. It is important to note that this term does not imply any form of superiority or inferiority, but rather highlights the difference in knowledge and spiritual awareness.

To understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28),

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.

This verse emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous individuals who are devoted to the worship of Allah. Their company can have a positive impact on our own spiritual growth and help us maintain good habits.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This verse highlights the significance of seeking the company of those who encourage us towards righteousness and truth. Such companions can inspire us to develop good habits and maintain a strong connection with Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the potential negative influence of sitting with the common people. When we constantly surround ourselves with individuals who do not prioritize spirituality or possess deep knowledge, we may be exposed to behaviors and habits that are contrary to our own values. This can lead to a gradual erosion of our own good habits and moral principles.

For example, if we spend excessive time with individuals who engage in gossip, backbiting, or engage in unethical practices, we may find ourselves being influenced by their behavior. Our speech and actions may begin to align with theirs, and we may lose sight of the importance of maintaining a high moral standard.

Conversely, if we choose to associate with individuals who are committed to their faith, possess knowledge, and strive for moral excellence, we are more likely to be inspired and motivated to improve ourselves. Their positive influence can help us develop and maintain good habits, such as regular prayer, recitation of the Quran, and acts of kindness and charity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the company we keep. While it is important to interact with people from all walks of life, we must be cautious about the influence they can have on our habits and character. By seeking the company of those who are righteous and knowledgeable, we can safeguard our own spiritual well-being and strive towards moral excellence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in choosing our companions wisely and grant us the strength to maintain good habits.