Hadith #815

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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) states,

لايَصْحَبُ الأبرارَ إلاّ نُظَراؤُهُمْ۔

This can be translated to mean,

None accompany the virtuous except those who are like them.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous individuals.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words. (abrār) "أبرار" refers to the virtuous, righteous, and pious individuals. These are the people who consistently strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through their actions and intentions. (nuẓarā') "نُظَرَاء" refers to those who are similar or like-minded. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to individuals who possess the same level of righteousness and piety as the virtuous ones.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the message conveyed in this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-An'am (6:128),

And on the Day when He will gather them together [and say], 'O company of jinn, you have [misled] many of mankind.' And their allies among mankind will say, 'Our Lord, some of us made use of others, and we have [now] reached our term, which You appointed for us.' He will say, 'The Fire is your residence, wherein you will abide eternally, except for what Allah wills. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing.'

This verse emphasizes the concept of like-mindedness and companionship. The righteous individuals will be gathered together, and their companions who shared in their actions and beliefs will also be held accountable. This highlights the importance of choosing our companions wisely, as they can greatly influence our actions and ultimately our destiny.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), where 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 advises us to surround ourselves with individuals who remember and worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) regularly. By doing so, we can find strength and patience in their company. It also warns against being influenced by those who are heedless of Allah's remembrance and follow their desires. This further emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companions who will positively impact our spiritual journey.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the company they keep. Our companions can either elevate us or lead us astray. When we surround ourselves with virtuous individuals who are dedicated to pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we are more likely to be inspired and motivated to improve ourselves.

The consequences of choosing righteous companions are far-reaching. By associating with the virtuous, we are exposed to their knowledge, wisdom, and good deeds. We can learn from their experiences, seek guidance from their teachings, and be inspired by their devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This companionship creates an environment that fosters spiritual growth and encourages us to strive for excellence in our faith.

On the other hand, if we surround ourselves with individuals who are not committed to righteousness, we may be influenced by their negative behaviors and attitudes. This can lead to a decline in our own spirituality and distance us from the path of righteousness. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to carefully choose their companions and seek out those who will support and encourage them in their journey towards Allah's pleasure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of surrounding ourselves with virtuous individuals. By choosing righteous companions, we can create an environment that nurtures our spiritual growth and helps us stay on the path of righteousness. The Quranic verses mentioned further emphasize the significance of like-mindedness and companionship in our journey towards Allah's pleasure. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in selecting righteous companions and grant us the strength to be virtuous individuals ourselves.