Hadith #6839

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One whose being alive is not beneficial to you, then count him among the dead.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who bring value and benefit to our lives. To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (hayatuhu) "حَياتُهُ" in the Hadith refers to the existence or life of an individual. It encompasses not only physical life but also the impact and influence one has on others. The word (fa'uddahu) "فَعُدَّهُ" means to consider or count someone as something. In this context, it implies that if someone's presence does not bring any benefit or value to our lives, we should regard them as if they were dead.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous and beneficial companions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28),

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

This verse encourages Muslims to seek the company of those who remember and worship Allah, as their presence will bring spiritual benefit and guidance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:72), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, those who have believed and emigrated and fought with their wealth and lives in the cause of Allah and those who gave shelter and aided - they are allies of one another.

This verse highlights the importance of forming alliances and friendships with those who share our faith and values, as they will support and benefit us in our journey towards righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to carefully evaluate the impact of individuals in their lives. It encourages us to assess whether someone's presence brings positivity, knowledge, and spiritual growth, or if it hinders our progress and leads us astray. By counting such individuals among the dead, we are not advocating ill-will or animosity towards them, but rather recognizing that their influence is not conducive to our well-being.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and guidance from individuals who possess wisdom and understanding. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words carry great weight and significance. By following his advice, we can ensure that we surround ourselves with individuals who contribute positively to our lives and help us grow spiritually.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to carefully choose their companions and evaluate the impact they have on their lives. It urges us to prioritize the company of those who bring benefit, knowledge, and righteousness, while distancing ourselves from those whose presence hinders our spiritual growth. By doing so, we can create an environment that fosters personal development and strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us in choosing righteous companions and grant us the wisdom to discern those whose presence is not beneficial to us.