Hadith #9353

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

The vile person does not follow anyone except the one who is like him and he does not incline towards anyone but the one who is similar to him.

This Hadith highlights the nature of a vile person and their tendency to associate with those who share their negative qualities.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (la'eem) "لئيم" refers to a person who is morally corrupt, wicked, and vile. This individual lacks integrity and righteousness in their actions and character. The word (yattabiu) "يتبع" means to follow or imitate someone. It implies that the vile person seeks guidance, influence, and companionship from those who are like them. The word (shakl) "شكل" refers to someone who is similar or alike in nature, character, or appearance. The word (yameel) "يميل" means to incline or lean towards someone. It signifies the vile person's inclination towards those who possess similar negative traits.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-An'am (6:116),

And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying.

This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous individuals to follow and seek guidance from. It warns against blindly following the majority, as they may lead one astray from the path of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 righteous companions who constantly remember and worship Allah. It warns against following those whose hearts are heedless of Allah's remembrance and who are driven by their own desires.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious in choosing their companions and role models. It emphasizes the influence that individuals have on one another, both positively and negatively. A vile person, due to their corrupt nature, is inclined to associate with those who share their negative traits. They find comfort and validation in the company of like-minded individuals, perpetuating their vileness.

Conversely, a righteous person seeks the company of those who are pious and virtuous. They are inspired by the good qualities of others and strive to emulate them. The Quran encourages Muslims to seek the company of the righteous, as it has a positive impact on their spiritual growth and development.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should evaluate the company we keep and the individuals we choose to follow. Are they leading us towards righteousness and the path of Allah, or are they dragging us towards vileness and corruption? It is essential to surround ourselves with individuals who inspire us to be better Muslims, who remind us of Allah's remembrance, and who guide us towards righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the company they keep. It highlights the tendency of vile individuals to associate with those who share their negative traits. By seeking guidance from the Quran, we understand the importance of choosing righteous companions and role models. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to surround ourselves with those who inspire us towards righteousness and protect us from the influence of the vile.