Hadith #679

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "جَليسُ الخَيرِ نِعْمَةٌ۔" which translates to

A good companion is a blessing.

This short but thought-provoking saying holds immense wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their social interactions and relationships.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (jalīs) "جَليسُ" refers to a companion or someone with whom one spends time. (al-khayr) "الخَيرِ" signifies goodness, righteousness, and virtue. And (ni'mah) "نِعْمَةٌ" denotes a blessing or favor from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To better understand the significance of a good companion, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous individuals. In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 28, Allah says,

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

This verse highlights the value of being in the company of those who remember and worship Allah, as it helps to strengthen one's faith and maintain steadfastness.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Asr, 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 emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who encourage and advise one another towards truth and patience. Such companionship serves as a means of guidance and support on the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound impact that our companions can have on our lives. A good companion is not only someone who possesses virtuous qualities but also someone who inspires and motivates us to be better individuals. They serve as a source of guidance, reminding us of our responsibilities towards Allah and encouraging us to strive for excellence in our actions.

When we surround ourselves with righteous companions, we are more likely to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and exhibit moral behavior. Their presence acts as a constant reminder of our purpose in life and helps us stay focused on our spiritual journey. They provide a positive influence, encouraging us to avoid sinful actions and reminding us of the consequences of our choices.

Conversely, if we choose companions who are negligent of their religious duties or engage in sinful behavior, we risk being influenced by their negative actions and attitudes. The Quran warns us in Surah Al-Furqan, verse 28,

And [mention] the Day when 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 serves as a reminder of the regret that one may experience if they choose the wrong companionship.

Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to carefully select their companions and strive to be in the company of those who are righteous and pious. By doing so, we can benefit from their knowledge, wisdom, and positive influence. Surrounding ourselves with good companions not only brings us closer to Allah but also contributes to our personal growth and development.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the immense value of a good companion. By choosing righteous companions, we can experience the blessings and benefits that come with their presence. They serve as a source of guidance, support, and inspiration on our journey towards attaining closeness to Allah. May Allah guide us in selecting righteous companions and grant us the wisdom to be good companions ourselves.