Hadith #655

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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:

صَديقُ الجاهِلِ مَعْرَضٌ لِلْعَطَبِ۔

This can be translated as:

The friend of an ignorant person is exposed to harm.

Let us analyze the key words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (sadeeq) "صَديقُ" refers to a friend or companion, someone with whom we have a close relationship. (al-jahil) "الجاهِلِ" refers to an ignorant person, someone lacking knowledge or understanding. And (ma'radh) "مَعْرَضٌ" means to be exposed or subjected to something.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companions 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. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.

This verse highlights the significance of surrounding oneself with pious individuals who are devoted to the worship of Allah. The companions we choose can greatly impact our spiritual well-being and the path we tread in life. If we befriend an ignorant person, someone who lacks knowledge and understanding of the religion, we expose ourselves to harm. This harm can manifest in various ways, such as being influenced by their misguided beliefs or engaging in sinful actions due to their ignorance.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also warns us about the consequences of befriending those who lead us astray in Surah Al-Furqan (25:28):

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

This verse serves as a reminder of the regret that one will experience on the Day of Judgment if they had chosen the wrong companions in this worldly life. The wrongdoer will lament their decision and wish that they had followed the path of the Messenger (ﷺ) and his righteous companions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and associating with those who possess it. It serves as a warning against befriending individuals who lack understanding of the religion, as their ignorance can lead us astray and expose us to harm.

As Muslims, we should strive to befriend those who are knowledgeable, righteous, and dedicated to the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can benefit from their wisdom, guidance, and positive influence. Surrounding ourselves with such companions will not only protect us from harm but also contribute to our spiritual growth and development.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to carefully choose their friends and companions. Befriending an ignorant person can lead to harm and deviation from the right path. It is crucial for us to seek knowledge, associate with those who possess it, and strive to befriend individuals who will positively impact our faith and character. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in choosing righteous companions and protect us from the harm of ignorance.