Hadith #7809

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

مَنْ خَبُثَ عُنْصُرُهُ ساءَ مَحْضَرُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One whose lineage is wicked, his presence [in any gathering] is bad.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (khabutha) "خَبُثَ" refers to something that is impure, corrupt, or wicked. It signifies a lineage that is tainted with evil or immorality. The term (unsuruhu) "عُنْصُرُهُ" refers to one's lineage or ancestry. And finally, the word (mahdaruhu) "مَحْضَرُهُ" refers to one's presence or company.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46),

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to Allah and His Messenger, and the avoidance of disputes and arguments. It highlights the significance of maintaining a positive and righteous presence in any gathering. When someone's lineage is tainted with wickedness, it reflects in their character and behavior, which in turn affects the atmosphere of any gathering they are a part of.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse teaches us the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and protection in all aspects of our lives. When we are in the company of individuals whose lineage is wicked, it becomes challenging to maintain a firm and righteous stance. Their negative influence can weaken our resolve and lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the company we keep. It urges us to surround ourselves with individuals who come from noble and righteous lineages, as their presence will contribute positively to our gatherings and help us in our spiritual growth.

The consequences of disregarding this advice can be detrimental. When someone with a wicked lineage is present in a gathering, their negative energy and immoral behavior can spread like a poison, corrupting the atmosphere and influencing others towards wrongdoing. This can lead to a decline in moral values, loss of unity, and a weakening of the community as a whole.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to emulate the qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) who was known for his unparalleled knowledge, wisdom, and righteousness. He was a shining example of a leader who possessed a pure lineage and whose presence brought blessings and guidance to any gathering he was a part of.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the company we keep and the influence it has on our character and spirituality. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who come from noble and righteous lineages, as their presence will contribute positively to our gatherings and help us in our journey towards righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to choose our companions wisely and protect us from the negative influence of those with wicked lineages.