Hadith #723

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The loneliness of a man is better for him than [having] an evil comrade.

This thought-provoking saying emphasizes the importance of choosing one's companions wisely and the detrimental effects of keeping bad company.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (wahdah) "وَحدَةُ" refers to solitude or being alone. It signifies the state of being by oneself, away from the influence and presence of others. (mar') "مَرْءِ" refers to a person or an individual. (khayr) "خَيْرٌ" means better or more beneficial. (qarin) "قَرينِ" refers to a comrade or a companion. Lastly, (as-su') "السُّوءِ" means evil or wickedness.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Ankabut (29:45), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.

This verse highlights the significance of prayer and remembrance of Allah in preventing one from engaging in immoral and wicked actions. It emphasizes the importance of seeking solitude with Allah, as it is better than being in the company of those who promote evil.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:27-29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the Day of Judgment, saying,

And the Day 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.'

These verses highlight the remorse of the wrongdoers who will regret their choice of companions on the Day of Judgment. They will wish they had followed the path of the Messenger and avoided the influence of those who led them astray.

The exegesis of this Hadith emphasizes the importance of solitude and the negative consequences of keeping bad company. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to choose solitude over the companionship of those who promote evil. This is because bad company can have a detrimental impact on an individual's beliefs, actions, and overall character.

When a person is in the company of evil individuals, they are more likely to be influenced by their negative behavior, thoughts, and actions. This can lead to a decline in one's moral values, spiritual growth, and overall well-being. On the other hand, choosing solitude allows one to focus on their relationship with Allah, engage in self-reflection, and strengthen their faith.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to prioritize their spiritual well-being and protect themselves from the negative influences of others. By choosing solitude, one can distance themselves from the distractions and temptations of the world and focus on their personal growth and connection with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the importance of choosing their companions wisely. It highlights the benefits of solitude over the company of those who promote evil. By seeking solitude, individuals can protect themselves from negative influences, strengthen their faith, and focus on their personal growth and relationship with Allah. May Allah guide us all in choosing righteous companions and grant us the strength to seek solitude when necessary.