Hadith #766

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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.

In this thought-provoking Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of discernment and caution in our relationships. The key words in this hadith are (manihatjta) "مَنِاحْتَجْتَ" which means

you need to indulge

and (mudaratih) "مُداراتِهِ" which means "his company" or "his companionship."

To understand the deeper meaning of 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 influence of those who may 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. 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 ayah emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who are devoted to the worship of Allah and seek His pleasure. These are the true companions who will remind us of our purpose in life and help us stay on the right path.

In another verse, Allah says, (Quran 9:119)

O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true

This verse emphasizes the need to be in the company of those who are truthful, sincere, and righteous. These are the individuals who will inspire us to be better Muslims and guide us towards success in this life and the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that not everyone who claims to be our brother or friend is truly deserving of our trust and companionship. We must be discerning and evaluate the character and actions of those around us. If someone's company leads us away from the path of righteousness and causes us to indulge in sinful behavior, then they are not our true brothers or companions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words carry great weight. He understood the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous individuals who would aid in spiritual growth and development. By cautioning against indulging in the company of those who lead us astray, he is guiding us towards a path of righteousness and protection from harmful influences.

The consequences of indulging in the company of those who lead us astray can be severe. It can lead to a weakening of our faith, an increase in sinful behavior, and a distancing from Allah's mercy. On the other hand, choosing righteous companions can have a profound positive impact on our lives. They can provide support, guidance, and encouragement in our journey towards Allah's pleasure.

Reflecting on this hadith, we should evaluate the company we keep and strive to surround ourselves with individuals who will uplift us spiritually and morally. We should seek out those who remind us of our purpose in life and inspire us to be better Muslims. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the negative influences of those who may lead us astray and ensure that our companionship is in line with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny.

May Allah guide us in choosing righteous companions and protect us from the influence of those who may lead us astray. Ameen.