Hadith #2351

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 our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

اَلاِصْطِناعُ ذُخْرٌ فَارْتَدْ عِنْدَ مَنْ تَضَعُهُ۔

This can be translated into English as,

Righteous work is a provision, so be wary of whom you are placing it with.

Let us delve into the meanings of some important words in this Hadith. The word (al-istina') "اَلاِصْطِناعُ" refers to righteous work or good deeds. It encompasses all acts of worship and virtuous actions that are performed with sincerity and in accordance with the teachings of Islam. The word (dhukr) "ذُخْرٌ" means provision or sustenance. It implies that righteous work serves as a provision for the hereafter, a means of attaining success and salvation in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be cautious and mindful of whom we associate our righteous work with. This implies that we should be careful in choosing our companions, partners, and those with whom we share our good deeds. It is crucial to surround ourselves with individuals who encourage and inspire us to perform righteous actions, as they can have a profound impact on our spiritual growth and development.

To further understand the significance of this advice, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 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 constantly remember and worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Their company can serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for us to continue performing good deeds.

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 highlights the importance of not only performing righteous deeds ourselves but also advising and reminding others to do the same. It emphasizes the significance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who encourage and support us in our pursuit of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder that our righteous work is not only a personal endeavor but also a collective responsibility. The company we keep can either enhance or hinder our spiritual progress. Associating with those who are negligent in their religious obligations or engage in sinful activities can have detrimental effects on our own faith and righteous actions.

For example, if we associate ourselves with individuals who constantly engage in backbiting, gossip, or other sinful behaviors, we may find ourselves being influenced by their negative actions. On the other hand, if we surround ourselves with individuals who strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and engage in acts of worship and kindness, we will be motivated to emulate their behavior and increase our own righteous actions.

Therefore, it is essential for us as Muslims to be mindful of the company we keep and to choose our companions wisely. We should seek out individuals who inspire us to perform good deeds, remind us of our religious obligations, and encourage us to strive for excellence in our worship. By doing so, we can ensure that our righteous work is preserved and its impact is multiplied.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our righteous work is a provision for the hereafter. We must be cautious and selective in choosing our companions, as they can either enhance or hinder our spiritual growth. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who encourage and inspire us to perform good deeds is crucial for our spiritual development. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in choosing righteous companions and grant us the ability to perform and preserve our righteous actions.