Hadith #824

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 noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us to be cautious and vigilant when it comes to choosing our companions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to avoid the company of those who are evil, as their association can have detrimental effects on our spiritual and moral well-being.

The word (mujalasata) "مُجالِسَةَ" in the Hadith refers to the act of sitting or associating with someone. It emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the people we choose to spend our time with. The word (qarin) "قَرينِ" means a companion or a close associate. In this context, it refers to someone who is consistently and closely associated with us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of associating with an evil companion. He states that such association can lead to our destruction and ruin. This means that the influence of an evil companion can corrupt our beliefs, actions, and character, leading us away from the path of righteousness.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companions and warns against the company of those who are evil.

In Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 importance of surrounding ourselves with those who remember Allah and seek His pleasure. It advises us to be patient and steadfast in the company of those who are devoted to their Lord. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the negative influences of those who are heedless of Allah's remembrance and who follow their own desires.

In Surah Al-Furqan (25:27-28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And the Day the wrongdoer will bite on his hands [in regret] he will say, 'Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way. Oh, woe to me! I wish I had not taken that one as a friend.'

These verses depict the regret of the wrongdoers on the Day of Judgment, wishing they had chosen the path of the Messenger (ﷺ) and not associated themselves with evil companions. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of choosing the wrong company and the importance of seeking righteous companionship.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, emphasizing the significance of choosing our companions wisely. Our companions have a profound impact on our thoughts, actions, and overall character. Associating with those who are evil can lead us astray, causing harm to our spiritual and moral well-being.

Therefore, as Muslims, it is crucial for us to evaluate the company we keep and strive to surround ourselves with individuals who inspire and encourage us to grow closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By choosing righteous companions, we create an environment that fosters spiritual growth, strengthens our faith, and protects us from the negative influences of the world.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in selecting companions who bring us closer to Him and protect us from the harm of evil associations. Ameen.