Hadith #865

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 profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises Muslims to be cautious and discerning when choosing their companions and allies. The key word in this Hadith is (ikhtibar) "اختبار", which can be translated as "investigation" or "assessment." Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of thoroughly examining and evaluating individuals before forming close bonds with them.

This guidance from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the significance of choosing righteous companions and warns against the dangers of associating with those who may lead us astray. 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. 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 individuals who are devoted to the worship of Allah and seek His pleasure. It warns against being influenced by those who are distracted by worldly desires and have neglected the remembrance of Allah. By choosing righteous companions, we can strengthen our faith and protect ourselves from the negative influences of the wicked.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:72), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Indeed, those who have believed and emigrated and fought with their wealth and lives in the cause of Allah and those who gave shelter and aided - they are allies of one another. But those who believed and did not emigrate - for you there is no guardianship of them until they emigrate. And if they seek help of you for the religion, then you must help, except against a people between yourselves and whom is a treaty. And Allah is Seeing of what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of forming alliances and friendships with those who share our faith and are actively engaged in the cause of Allah. It highlights the significance of supporting and aiding one another in the path of righteousness. However, it also reminds us that our loyalty and support should be reserved for those who have demonstrated their commitment to the faith through their actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and discerning in their relationships. It encourages us to investigate and assess the character, beliefs, and actions of individuals before forming close bonds with them. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the influence of the wicked and ensure that our companions are virtuous and righteous.

This guidance from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is particularly relevant in today's world, where we are constantly exposed to various influences and ideologies. It reminds us to be mindful of the company we keep, as our companions can greatly impact our spiritual well-being and moral values. By surrounding ourselves with individuals who are committed to the teachings of Islam and strive for righteousness, we can strengthen our faith, find support in our journey, and ultimately attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and discernment to choose righteous companions and protect us from the influence of the wicked. Ameen.