Hadith #682

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Good companionship increases the affection of the hearts.

This beautiful Hadith emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous and virtuous individuals. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word "husn" in Arabic refers to goodness, beauty, and excellence. It encompasses all positive qualities that bring about positive outcomes. "Suhbah" means companionship or association. It refers to the company we keep and the relationships we form. The word "yazeed" means to increase or enhance, while "mahabbah" signifies love or affection. Therefore, the Hadith teaches us that when we choose to associate ourselves with good companions, it leads to an increase in love and affection within our hearts.

This concept of companionship and its impact on our hearts is beautifully illustrated in the Quran. 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 highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who are devoted to the worship of Allah and who constantly seek His pleasure. Such companionship not only strengthens our own faith but also increases the love and affection we have for Allah and His righteous servants.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who are obedient to Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). Their righteous behavior and steadfastness in the face of challenges serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for us. Through their companionship, our hearts are filled with love for Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), and our resolve to follow their teachings is strengthened.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, understood the profound impact of companionship on the human heart. He recognized that the company we keep has a direct influence on our thoughts, actions, and ultimately, our spiritual well-being. When we surround ourselves with individuals who possess noble qualities, such as piety, knowledge, and kindness, their positive traits rub off on us. We are inspired to emulate their behavior and strive for self-improvement.

Conversely, if we choose to associate ourselves with individuals who engage in sinful activities, have negative attitudes, or lack moral values, their influence can lead us astray. The Quran warns us about the consequences of such companionship in Surah Al-Furqan (25:28), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 that the wrong choice of companionship can lead to regret and remorse in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of choosing our companions wisely. Good companionship, characterized by righteousness, piety, and devotion to Allah, has a profound impact on our hearts. It increases our love and affection for Allah, His Messenger (ﷺ), and the righteous. By surrounding ourselves with individuals who inspire us to be better Muslims, we can strengthen our faith, improve our character, and ultimately attain the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us to choose righteous companions and grant us the ability to be good companions ourselves.