Hadith #756

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

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

الرَّفيقُ في دُنياهُ كالرَّفيقِ في دينهِِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of having a good companion in both worldly matters and matters of faith.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (rafiq) "رَفِيق" refers to a close friend or companion who shares one's joys, sorrows, and experiences. It is someone who stands by your side, offering support and guidance. (dunyāh) "دُنْيَاهُ" refers to the worldly life, encompassing all its material aspects, desires, and pursuits. (dīnuhu) "دِينُهُ" refers to one's faith, encompassing beliefs, practices, and moral values.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the significance of choosing righteous companions and warns against the company of those who lead us astray. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah says, (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.

This verse highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who remind us of Allah and encourage us to engage in acts of worship. Such companions are a source of spiritual strength and motivation, helping us to remain steadfast in our faith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah states, (Quran 103:1-3)

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 emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel from righteous individuals. A true friend is not only someone who shares our worldly joys and sorrows but also guides us towards righteousness and encourages us to persevere in the face of challenges. They remind us of our obligations to Allah and help us stay on the straight path.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the parallel between a good companion in worldly matters and a good companion in matters of faith. Just as a friend in our worldly life supports us, offers advice, and helps us navigate through life's challenges, a friend in matters of faith plays a similar role. They remind us of our religious duties, encourage us to seek knowledge, and inspire us to strive for spiritual growth.

A good companion in faith is someone who encourages us to perform acts of worship, reminds us of the importance of moral values, and helps us stay away from sinful deeds. They motivate us to engage in acts of charity, seek forgiveness, and constantly improve ourselves as Muslims.

Conversely, a bad companion can lead us astray and weaken our faith. They may encourage us to indulge in sinful activities, neglect our religious obligations, or adopt beliefs and practices that are contrary to the teachings of Islam. Such companions can have a detrimental impact on our spiritual well-being and distance us from the path of righteousness.

Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to choose their companions wisely, both in their worldly affairs and matters of faith. Surrounding ourselves with righteous individuals who are knowledgeable, pious, and sincere in their devotion to Allah will have a positive influence on our character, actions, and ultimately, our relationship with Allah.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of selecting good companions in both their worldly life and matters of faith. Just as a true friend in our worldly life supports and guides us, a true friend in matters of faith encourages us to seek Allah's pleasure, reminds us of our religious obligations, and helps us navigate through the challenges of life. May Allah guide us in choosing righteous companions and grant us the wisdom to be good companions to others.