Hadith #6799

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Reduced mingling preserves religion and relieves one from having to associate with wicked people.

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining a limited association with individuals who may have a negative influence on our faith and moral character.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (khulṭah) "خُلْطَةِ" refers to companionship or association, while (ṭaṣūn) "تَصُونُ" means to preserve or safeguard. (ad-dīn) "الدِّينَ" refers to religion, encompassing one's faith, beliefs, and practices. Lastly, (muqārana) "مُقَارَنَةِ" denotes comparison or interaction with others.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Anfal (8:24), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah intervenes between a man and his heart and that to Him you will be gathered.

This verse highlights the importance of responding to the call of Allah and His Messenger, as it is through their guidance that we attain spiritual life and nourishment. By reducing our association with those who may lead us astray, we protect our faith and ensure our hearts remain connected to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs us,

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 teaches us to maintain fairness and justice in our interactions with others, even if they hold different beliefs. However, it also implies that we should be cautious in our associations, especially with those who may harm our faith or lead us away from the path of righteousness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of choosing our companions wisely. By limiting our interactions with individuals who possess wicked qualities, we protect our religion from being influenced or corrupted. This does not mean that we should completely isolate ourselves from society, as Islam encourages engagement and positive contributions to the community. However, it emphasizes the need to surround ourselves with individuals who share our values and strive for righteousness.

Reduced mingling with wicked people has several motivations and consequences. Firstly, it helps to preserve our faith by shielding us from negative influences and temptations. When we surround ourselves with righteous individuals, we are more likely to engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, and adhere to the teachings of Islam. Secondly, it relieves us from the burden of having to associate with those who may lead us astray or engage in immoral behavior. By distancing ourselves from such individuals, we protect our own moral character and avoid being influenced by their negative actions.

Moreover, reduced mingling with wicked people allows us to maintain a positive and healthy environment for personal growth. When we surround ourselves with individuals who possess good character and strong faith, we are inspired to improve ourselves and strive for excellence. This positive influence can have a profound impact on our spiritual, emotional, and social well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of limiting our association with wicked individuals. By doing so, we safeguard our religion and protect ourselves from negative influences. This does not mean we should isolate ourselves from society, but rather, it emphasizes the need to choose our companions wisely and surround ourselves with individuals who share our values and strive for righteousness. May Allah guide us in selecting righteous companions and grant us the strength to preserve our faith in the face of adversity.