Hadith #9842

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions against frequent visits to kings and advises against seeking close association with them. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that if one accompanies kings too often, they will eventually become weary of their presence. Furthermore, if one sincerely advises the kings, they will be debased and disregarded.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (dukhōla) "دُّخُولَ" refers to frequent visits or entering into the company of someone. (al-mulūk) "المُلُوكِ" refers to kings or rulers. (mallūka) "مَلُّوكَ" means they will become weary or tired of you, and (ghashshūka) "غَشُّوكَ" means they will debase or humiliate you.

This Hadith highlights the potential negative consequences of seeking close association with kings. It is important to note that the advice given by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is not limited to kings alone but can be applied to anyone in a position of power and authority. The underlying message is to be cautious and mindful of the potential harm that can arise from such associations.

To further understand the wisdom behind this advice, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against seeking the company of those who are heedless of His remembrance:

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 emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous individuals who remember Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure. It warns against being influenced by those who are heedless of Allah's remembrance and who prioritize worldly desires over spiritual growth.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises the believers not to take disbelievers as allies and protectors:

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse reminds us to be cautious in choosing our companions and allies. It encourages us to maintain righteousness and justice in our interactions but also reminds us that our ultimate loyalty should be to Allah and His guidance.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice. Frequent visits to kings or those in positions of power can lead to a compromise of one's principles and values. The desire for proximity to power can cloud one's judgment and compromise their ability to sincerely advise and guide those in authority.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, understood the potential pitfalls of seeking close association with rulers. He recognized that the desire for power and influence can corrupt individuals and lead them astray from the path of righteousness. By cautioning against frequent visits to kings, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sought to protect the integrity and sincerity of the believers.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the potential dangers of seeking close association with those in positions of power. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's principles and values, even in the face of temptation and allure. By prioritizing righteousness and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can navigate the complexities of the world with wisdom and integrity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the straight path and protect us from the pitfalls of worldly desires.