Hadith #837

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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) emphasizes the immense value and importance of surrounding oneself with righteous individuals. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

There is nothing that brings one closer to good and keeps one safer from evil than keeping company with the righteous.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this profound Hadith. The Arabic word (ad'aa) "أدْعى" means "brings one closer" or "draws one nearer." It signifies the act of being in close proximity to something or someone that leads to a positive outcome. The word (anjaa) "أنْجى" means "keeps one safer" or

protects one from harm.

It highlights the idea of being shielded or safeguarded from evil or negative influences. The term (suhbah) "صُحْبَةِ" translates to "company" or "companionship," indicating the act of being in the presence of others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous individuals and the positive impact it can have on one's character and actions.

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 oneself with individuals who are devoted to the worship of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By keeping company with such righteous individuals, one can find solace, strengthen their faith, and remain steadfast in the face of worldly distractions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

This verse emphasizes the importance of obeying Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His Messenger (ﷺ). By associating with righteous individuals who follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and adhere to the guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), one can strengthen their faith and find support in times of difficulty.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to seek the company of the righteous as a means of attaining goodness and protection from evil. When we surround ourselves with individuals who are pious, knowledgeable, and morally upright, we are more likely to be influenced by their positive qualities and actions. Their righteous behavior serves as a source of inspiration and guidance for us to follow.

By keeping company with the righteous, we are exposed to their wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the religion. We have the opportunity to learn from their experiences, seek their advice, and gain insights into the teachings of Islam. This companionship fosters an environment of spiritual growth and development, where we can strive to emulate their noble qualities and actions.

Conversely, when we associate with individuals who engage in sinful behavior or have a negative influence on our character, we expose ourselves to the risk of being led astray. The company we keep can greatly impact our thoughts, actions, and overall spiritual well-being. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to be mindful of the company they keep and strive to surround themselves with individuals who will uplift and inspire them on their journey towards righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of keeping company with the righteous. By associating with individuals who are devoted to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can draw closer to goodness and protect ourselves from evil. The Quranic verses mentioned further reinforce the significance of surrounding ourselves with the righteous and the positive impact it can have on our faith and character. As Muslims, we should strive to seek the company of those who inspire us to be better individuals and help us in our journey towards attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in choosing righteous companions and grant us the strength to emulate their noble qualities.