Hadith #6828

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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

عاشِرْ أهْلَ الفَضْلِ تَسْعَدْ وتَنْبُلْ۔

This can be translated as,

Associate with the people of excellence and you will gain felicity and nobility.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this thought-provoking Hadith. The word "عاشِرْ" means to associate or accompany, while "أهْلَ الفَضْلِ" refers to the people of excellence or virtue. The term "تَسْعَدْ" signifies happiness, felicity, or success, and "تَنْبُلْ" denotes nobility or honor.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with virtuous individuals, those who possess qualities of excellence and righteousness. By associating with such people, we are not only influenced by their positive traits but also inspired to strive for moral and spiritual growth ourselves.

The Quran supports this concept of seeking the company of the righteous. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 18:28)

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.

This verse encourages us to surround ourselves with those who remember and worship Allah, as their company will bring us tranquility and strengthen our connection with the divine.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 29:69)

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.

This verse highlights that those who strive for righteousness and excellence will be guided by Allah Himself. By associating with such individuals, we increase our chances of being guided towards the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us of the profound impact our companions have on our spiritual journey. When we surround ourselves with people of excellence, we are motivated to emulate their virtues and strive for personal growth. Their positive influence can shape our character, actions, and ultimately lead us towards happiness and success in this world and the hereafter.

Conversely, if we choose to associate with those who lack moral values or engage in negative behaviors, we risk being influenced by their actions and straying from the path of righteousness. The Quran warns us about the consequences of such associations in Surah Al-Mutaffifin, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 25:27-29)

And on the Day the wrongdoer will bite 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. He led me away from the remembrance after it had come to me. And ever is Satan, to man, a deserter.'

This serves as a reminder of the detrimental consequences of choosing companions who lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to seek the company of virtuous individuals and surround ourselves with people of excellence. By doing so, we are inspired to grow morally and spiritually, leading to happiness, felicity, and nobility. The Quranic verses mentioned further reinforce the importance of choosing righteous companions and the consequences of associating with those who lead us away from the path of righteousness. As Muslims, we should strive to build relationships with individuals who embody the values and teachings of Islam, as their influence can have a profound impact on our journey towards Allah's pleasure and eternal success.