Hadith #838

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Man sahiba al-'uqala'u wuqira.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of associating oneself with the wise and knowledgeable individuals, as it leads to respect and honor. Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "sahiba" in Arabic refers to someone who accompanies or associates with others. In this context, it signifies the act of being in the company of the wise and knowledgeable individuals. The word "al-'uqala'" refers to those who possess intellect, wisdom, and deep understanding. They are individuals who have acquired knowledge and insight through their experiences and learning.

The word "wuqira" means to be respected, honored, or held in high regard. It implies that by associating with the wise, one gains respect and honor in the eyes of others. This respect is not merely superficial, but rather a reflection of the wisdom and knowledge that one acquires through such companionship.

The Quranic verses support the significance of seeking knowledge and associating with the wise. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9),

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. It emphasizes the superiority of the knowledgeable individuals and their elevated status in society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, 'This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.'

This verse narrates the incident of Prophet Musa (Moses) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and highlights the importance of seeking the guidance of the wise. When faced with a difficult situation, Prophet Musa sought the advice of a knowledgeable person, which led him to make the right decision.

From this Hadith, we can understand that associating with the wise and knowledgeable individuals has numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows us to gain knowledge and wisdom from their experiences and teachings. By being in their company, we can learn from their insights and apply them in our own lives. This knowledge helps us make informed decisions and navigate through the challenges we encounter.

Secondly, associating with the wise brings about positive changes in our character and behavior. The company we keep greatly influences our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. By surrounding ourselves with the wise, we are more likely to adopt their noble qualities and virtues. This leads to personal growth and development, as we strive to emulate their wisdom, patience, and righteousness.

Moreover, being in the company of the wise enhances our understanding of the world around us. They possess a deep insight into the complexities of life and can provide us with valuable perspectives. This broadens our horizons and enables us to view situations from different angles, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the world and its affairs.

Additionally, associating with the wise instills humility within us. When we recognize the knowledge and wisdom of others, we acknowledge our own limitations and seek to learn from them. This humility allows us to overcome arrogance and pride, enabling us to grow intellectually and spiritually.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of associating with the wise and knowledgeable individuals. By doing so, we gain respect and honor, acquire knowledge and wisdom, develop our character, broaden our understanding, and cultivate humility. As Muslims, it is crucial for us to seek the company of those who possess intellect and wisdom, as it leads to personal growth and a deeper understanding of our faith. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge and wisdom and to be in the company of the righteous.