Hadith #6793

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states that the one who mingles with people is afflicted by the evil associate and the hypocrisy of the enemy. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (مُخالِطُ) "mukhalit" refers to someone who associates and interacts with others. This interaction can be in various forms, such as social gatherings, work environments, or even online platforms. The word (قَرينِ) "qarin" means an associate or companion, and in this context, it signifies a negative or evil companion. The term (سُّوءِ) "saw" refers to evil or wickedness. Therefore, the Hadith warns us about the detrimental effects of associating with wicked individuals.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of choosing righteous companions and warns against the company of those who lead us astray. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah 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 highlights the virtue of surrounding ourselves with pious individuals who remind us of Allah and encourage us to engage in acts of worship.

On the other hand, the Quran also warns us about the consequences of befriending those who are engaged in evil deeds. In Surah Al-Furqan, Allah says, (Quran 25:27-29)

And [mention] the Day when the wrongdoer will bite on 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'

This verse illustrates the regret of those who followed the wrong path due to the influence of their evil companions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious about the company they keep. Associating with individuals who possess negative traits or engage in sinful behavior can have a detrimental impact on our faith and character. Evil companions can lead us astray, causing us to deviate from the path of righteousness and compromise our values.

The consequences of mingling with wicked individuals can be far-reaching. It can result in the erosion of our moral compass, the weakening of our faith, and the adoption of hypocritical behavior. The Hadith highlights the insidious nature of hypocrisy, which can manifest when we associate with those who have ulterior motives or hidden agendas. Hypocrisy can lead to a double standard in our actions and beliefs, causing a rift between our inner and outer selves.

To protect ourselves from the negative influence of evil companions, it is crucial to seek the company of righteous individuals who inspire us to be better Muslims. Surrounding ourselves with those who remind us of Allah, encourage us to engage in acts of worship, and uphold moral values can strengthen our faith and help us navigate the challenges of this world.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the company they keep. It warns against the detrimental effects of associating with wicked individuals and highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with righteous companions. By choosing our associates wisely, we can safeguard our faith, protect our character, and strive towards spiritual growth. May Allah guide us in selecting righteous companions and protect us from the influence of evil associates.