Hadith #3112

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise is due 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, "اِصْحَبْ تَخْتَبِرْ۔" which translates to

Accompany [people] so that you may gauge [their true nature].

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of observing and evaluating the true character and nature of individuals through companionship.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (is-hab) "اِصْحَبْ" means to accompany or associate with someone, while (takhtabir) "تَخْتَبِرْ" refers to the act of gauging, testing, or evaluating someone's true nature or character.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companions and warns against the company of those who may lead us astray. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah says, (Quran 18:28)

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect

This verse highlights the significance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who are devoted to the worship of Allah and seek His pleasure. By choosing righteous companions, we are more likely to be influenced positively and guided towards the path of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs the believers, (Quran 60:1)

O you who have believed, do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies, extending to them affection while they have disbelieved in what came to you of the truth, having driven out the Prophet and yourselves [only] because you believe in Allah, your Lord. If you have come out for jihad in My cause and seeking means to My approval, [take them not as friends]. You confide to them affection, but I am most knowing of what you have concealed and what you have declared. And whoever does it among you has certainly strayed from the soundness of the way

This verse highlights the importance of evaluating the true nature and beliefs of those we choose to associate with. It warns against forming alliances or close relationships with those who oppose the truth and harbor enmity towards Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to be mindful of the company we keep and to observe the true nature of individuals through companionship. By accompanying others, we have the opportunity to witness their actions, words, and behavior in various situations. This allows us to assess their true character, intentions, and values.

Through this observation, we can discern whether someone's actions align with the teachings of Islam and whether they possess qualities such as honesty, integrity, kindness, and piety. By gauging the true nature of individuals, we can make informed decisions about the level of trust, friendship, and association we should have with them.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder of the importance of self-reflection. Just as we gauge the true nature of others, we should also assess our own character and strive for self-improvement. By reflecting on our own actions, intentions, and behavior, we can ensure that we are aligning ourselves with the teachings of Islam and striving for righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of choosing righteous companions and evaluating the true nature of individuals through companionship. It reminds us to be mindful of the company we keep and to observe the actions, words, and behavior of others in order to discern their true character and values. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from negative influences and strive towards righteousness. May Allah guide us in choosing righteous companions and grant us the wisdom to gauge the true nature of those around us.