Hadith #10852

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

لايُغْتَبَطُ بِمَوَدَّةِ مَنْ لادينَ لَهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of not being envious of the friendship of those who have no faith.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ghatbat) "غتبط" comes from the root word (ghataba) "غتب", which means to envy or covet. It refers to feeling jealous or desiring something that someone else possesses. (mawaddah) "مَوَدَّةِ" means friendship or affection. And (man ladayn lahu) "مَنْ لَادينَ لَهُ" translates to

one who has no faith.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous companions in several verses. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), Allah says,

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 value of being in the company of those who have faith and worship Allah regularly.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:27), Allah warns against associating with those who have no faith, saying,

And [the Day] when the wrongdoer will bite his hands [in regret] he will say, 'Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way.'

This verse serves as a reminder that the companionship of those who lack faith can lead to regret and remorse in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us not to envy or desire the friendship of those who have no faith. This is because such friendships can have detrimental effects on our spiritual well-being. When we surround ourselves with individuals who do not share our religious values and beliefs, we expose ourselves to influences that may lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

For example, if we befriend someone who engages in sinful activities or promotes ideologies contrary to our faith, we may find ourselves compromising our own beliefs and principles. This can result in a weakening of our faith and a deviation from the teachings of Islam.

Furthermore, the companions we choose greatly impact our motivations, actions, and overall character. If we surround ourselves with individuals who have no faith, we may adopt their values and behaviors, which can lead to negative consequences in both our worldly and spiritual lives.

On the other hand, when we seek the company of those who have faith, we are more likely to be inspired and motivated to strengthen our own faith. The righteous companionship of believers can serve as a source of support, encouragement, and guidance on our journey towards attaining closeness to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement reminds us of the importance of choosing our friends wisely. It encourages us to prioritize the company of those who share our religious values and beliefs, as they can positively influence our spiritual growth and help us stay steadfast on the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the friendship of those who have no faith is not something to be envious about. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize the significance of surrounding ourselves with righteous companions, we understand the importance of choosing our friends wisely. May Allah guide us to seek the company of those who strengthen our faith and inspire us to become better Muslims.