Hadith #854

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of carefully evaluating and choosing a brother or companion. The Arabic word (akh) "أخاً" refers to a brother or a close companion, and (husn al-ikhtibar) "حُسنِ الإختبارِ" means successfully evaluating or assessing someone. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that if one takes a brother or companion after thoroughly evaluating their character and qualities, then their companionship will endure and their bond will be firmly established.

This Hadith highlights the significance of selecting righteous and trustworthy individuals as companions in our lives. It reminds us to be cautious and discerning when forming relationships, as the company we keep greatly influences our actions, beliefs, and overall spiritual well-being. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has repeatedly emphasized the importance of choosing righteous companions in the Quran.

In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of befriending those who lead us astray from the path of righteousness:

(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 emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who are devoted to the worship of Allah and seek His pleasure. By choosing companions who are mindful of their Lord and strive to follow His commands, we can strengthen our own faith and increase our chances of attaining His mercy and blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the Day of Judgment when friends and companions will become enemies to one another:

(Quran 25:27-29)

And [warn of] 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. Oh, woe to me! I wish I had not taken that one as a friend. He led me away from the remembrance after it had come to me. And ever is Satan, to man, a deserter.'

This verse serves as a reminder that the choices we make in selecting our companions can have profound consequences. It highlights the regret of those who followed the wrong path due to the influence of their misguided friends. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the character and qualities of those we choose as companions, ensuring that they are on the path of righteousness and will lead us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to be discerning and cautious in our relationships. It reminds us that true companionship is built on trust, mutual respect, and shared values. By evaluating the character and qualities of those we choose as companions, we can establish lasting bonds that will support and strengthen our faith. We should seek companions who inspire us to be better Muslims, who remind us of our duties towards Allah and His creation, and who encourage us to strive for righteousness in all aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of carefully evaluating and choosing our companions. It reminds us that true companionship is built on trust, shared values, and a commitment to righteousness. By selecting righteous and trustworthy individuals as our companions, we can strengthen our faith, increase our chances of attaining Allah's mercy, and navigate the challenges of life with the support of those who will lead us closer to Him. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in choosing righteous companions and bless us with lasting and beneficial relationships.