Hadiths Of Companionship _8258,Company_7561,friendship _7631

There is not a single individual who can confidently claim that he has never been influenced, in one way or another, by his friends and associates, and in fact, what we are today and where we are standing in life is partly the result of the choices we have made in terms of our friendships. 
And whether this inevitable influence is positive or negative is mainly contingent upon who it is that we choose to associate with. If we desire to make progress in all aspects of our lives, then we must surround ourselves with righteous and successful people [whose friendship will contribute to the quality of our lives] and keep away from the company of wicked people. 
The story of Uqbah is an excellent example of how one’s friend can have a tremendous impact on one's life and fate; he was one of the contemporaries of the prophet who came to believe in the prophet and his message, but then his close friend Ubayy heard about his conversion to Islam and succeeded to change his mind. The following verses, which were revealed about this incident, perfectly depict his state in the Hereafter and the immense regret that will overtake him: 
‘It will be a day when the wrongdoer will bite his hands, saying, ‘I wish I had followed the Apostle’s way! Woe to me! I wish I had not taken so and so as a friend! Certainly, he led me astray from the Reminder after it had come to me.’ The Quran [25:28] 
Parents must also pay extra attention to who their children befriend and spend time with Because young people are going through the most vulnerable stage of their lives and their character and morals are molded more easily. Therefore, being oblivious about the circle of their friends can cause irreparable damage to their personality and consequently their future.   

There is not a single individual who can confidently claim that he has never been influenced, in one way or another, by his friends and associates, and in fact, what we are today and where we are standing in life is partly the result of the choices we have made in terms of our friendships. 
And whether this inevitable influence is positive or negative is mainly contingent upon who it is that we choose to associate with. If we desire to make progress in all aspects of our lives, then we must surround ourselves with righteous and successful people [whose friendship will contribute to the quality of our lives] and keep away from the company of wicked people. 
The story of Uqbah is an excellent example of how one’s friend can have a tremendous impact on one's life and fate; he was one of the contemporaries of the prophet who came to believe in the prophet and his message, but then his close friend Ubayy heard about his conversion to Islam and succeeded to change his mind. The following verses, which were revealed about this incident, perfectly depict his state in the Hereafter and the immense regret that will overtake him: 
‘It will be a day when the wrongdoer will bite his hands, saying, ‘I wish I had followed the Apostle’s way! Woe to me! I wish I had not taken so and so as a friend! Certainly, he led me astray from the Reminder after it had come to me.’ The Quran [25:28] 
Parents must also pay extra attention to who their children befriend and spend time with Because young people are going through the most vulnerable stage of their lives and their character and morals are molded more easily. Therefore, being oblivious about the circle of their friends can cause irreparable damage to their personality and consequently their future.   

Hadith of Jesus (ʿĪsā) via Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq (a).

Hadith: "I cured the sick, healed the blind and the leper, and raised the dead by the permission of Allah. But I treated the fool and was unable to reform him."

When asked who the fool is, he said: "The one infatuated with his own opinion and himself—who sees every virtue as his own, claims all rights, and accepts no duty. For him, there is no remedy."

Main takeaway:

The worst illness is spiritual: Self-worship and arrogance. Even the greatest outward miracles cannot reform a heart that refuses humility.

Key points:

1. Divine Permission: The Lesson in Humility

Repeating "by the permission of Allah" clarifies that miracles affirm reliance on God, not personal greatness. This demonstrates humility, even for prophets.

2. The true "incurable" is the self. Jesus could heal bodies and restore life, yet he could not cure a heart captive to pride. This demonstrates how deeply dangerous and resistant to remedy, ego disease is.

3. Who is the "fool" (al-ahmaq)? Three traits:

Infatuated with his own opinion: Closed to correction and guidance (arrogance/ujb).

Claims every virtue for himself. Takes credit for every good thing while being blind to his faults and the grace of God and others.

- Demands rights and rejects duties: Feels entitled while shirking responsibility.

4. Why this condition is "incurable":

* No self-awareness: He doesn't recognize his sickness, so he won't seek help.

He rejects guidance because pride blocks him from receiving counsel, teaching, or revelation.

No will to change: Contentment in self-delusion removes motivation for reform.

5. Practical Lessons for the Believer:

The primary struggle is against the ego (nafs).

Cultivate humility (tawāḍuʿ) by acknowledging dependence on God and accepting correction.

Balance rights with duties. Claim what is your right, whereas you fulfill obligations to others.

Conclusion:

This narration warns that spiritual blindness, which is characterized by arrogance and self-worship, isolates a person from God, truth, and reform. The remedy is the opposite: humility, repentance, and an open mind to guidance.

The Double Standard of Judgement

 This profound statement addresses a common human failing: the inconsistent application of judgment, particularly towards others as opposed to oneself. The saying exposes the hypocrisy of those described as 'sinful servants of God' (عَبِيدَ اَلسَّوْءِ), who fall short in their obedience.

1. The target: 'God's sinful servants'

The phrase 'God's sinful servants' ('ubayd al-saw') points to individuals who, while perhaps outwardly identifying as believers or followers of divine teachings, exhibit flawed character and behaviour. They are servants of God in name only; their actions often deviate from Allah's will, leading them to sin.

2.The Inconsistent Judgment: Blaming Others for Suspicion

Jesus (PBUH) highlights a significant flaw: 'You blame people based on mere suspicion' (taloomoon al-nas 'ala al-ẓann).

'Taloomoon al-nas': This means to criticize, reproach, or blame others.

"Al-ẓann": This signifies 'based on suspicion' or 'on conjecture'.

It describes the tendency to be quick to judge others based on flimsy evidence, hearsay, assumptions, or mere perceptions without concrete proof. Such judgments are often harsh, swift, and unforgiving. People are condemned based on what is thought or suspected about them, rather than on confirmed facts. This reflects a lack of empathy and a readiness to find fault in others.

3.The Hypocrisy: Not Blaming Oneself for Certainty

A stark contrast is then presented: 'While you don't blame yourselves, even when you are certain of your own faults' (wa la taloomoon anfusakum 'ala al-yaqeen). You blame people based on mere suspicion,('Wa la taloomoon anfusakum': This means 'and you do not blame yourselveswhile you don't blame yourselves even while certain of your own faults.

"Al-yaqeen": This signifies 'even when it is certain' or 'when it is certain'.

This is the essence of the hypocrisy. These same individuals, who are so quick to condemn others based on mere suspicion, are remarkably lenient, or even entirely neglectful, when it comes to their own clear and undeniable faults. They are sure about their own shortcomings — their sins, character flaws, and failures to live up to divine standards — yet fail to hold themselves accountable. They do not acknowledge their mistakes, feel repentance, or take corrective action.

The underlying issues:

This saying highlights several deep-seated issues:

Self-deception: people often deceive themselves by seeing their own faults as minor or justifiable while exaggerating the perceived flaws of others.

Pride and arrogance: a sense of superiority leads one to believe that they are beyond reproach, while others are deserving of criticism.

Lack of self-awareness: a failure to examine one's conscience and acknowledge one's failings.

Spiritual weakness: The inability to apply the same standards of accountability to oneself as to others indicates spiritual immaturity and a lack of commitment to genuine self-reform.

The Call to Accountability and Justice:

Jesus' statement is a powerful call for self-accountability and fair, consistent judgment. It urges individuals to:

Turn the mirror inward: before judging others, critically examine oneself.

Apply standards consistently: Hold oneself to the same (or even higher) standards that one expects from others.

Acknowledge own faults: Be acutely aware of and remorseful for one's own sins and shortcomings.

Practice empathy: recognize that others, like you, are prone to error and approach them with compassion rather than quick judgment.

So, True righteousness lies in rigorous self-examination, accountability, and applying consistent moral standards to oneself before extending them to others. By abandoning this harmful double standard, individuals can embark on a genuine journey of self-improvement and strive towards the divine ideal.

Commentary on the Hadith:

Hadith:

'Jesus (PBUH) said: 'Let me reveal a truth to you: Just as a sick man can gaze upon delicious food but cannot enjoy it because of his pain, so the worldly man cannot enjoy the sweetness of worship because of his love for money.'

Introduction:

This profound saying by the Prophet Jesus(PBUH) uses a powerful metaphor to illustrate the spiritual consequences of being attached to worldly desires. It highlights how excessive indulgence in material pursuits can hinder one's ability to experience the true sweetness of worship and the sweetness of spiritual connection with Allah.

1. The Metaphor: A Sick Man and Delicious Food

The Prophet Jesus (PBUH) presents the relatable image of a sick man who, despite being presented with delicious food, cannot enjoy its taste because of his physical pain.

Physical pain as a barrier: Just as physical pain affects one's ability to enjoy food, spiritual 'sickness' caused by excessive attachment to worldly pleasures prevents a person from experiencing the joy and sweetness of worship.

The comparison between physical and spiritual states highlights the interconnectedness of the body and soul. When the soul is consumed by material desires and distractions, it is unable to access the deeper, more enduring satisfaction that comes from worshipping God and feeling spiritually connected to him.

2. The Worldly Man's Struggle

The Hadith draws a parallel between the sick man and the 'worldly man' (صاحب الدنيا), emphasising the consequences of excessive love for worldly possessions.

Attachment to the World: The 'worldly man' is someone whose heart is overly attached to material possessions, wealth and transient pleasures. This attachment creates a spiritual sickness, distracting the heart from recognising and enjoying the sweetness of worship.

Competing Priorities: The love of material wealth and worldly success often conflicts with spiritual pursuits. A worldly person may appear to worship, but their internal preoccupation with worldly matters prevents them from experiencing the joy and peace that comes with sincere devotion to God.

False Sweetness of the World: The Hadith suggests that the 'sweetness of worship' is a real, tangible experience, not just an abstract concept. However, pleasure derived from worldly possessions can cloud one's ability to perceive and enjoy this spiritual sweetness. The heart becomes so consumed by the fleeting pleasures of the world that it loses its sensitivity to the eternal, profound joy of worship.

3. The Sweetness of Worship

What is the sweetness of worship? The sweetness of worship refers to the deep sense of fulfilment, peace and joy that comes from connecting with God. It is a spiritual state experienced by those who engage in worship with sincerity, humility and devotion.

Purity of Heart: This Hadith highlights that the sweetness of worship cannot be experienced if the heart is weighed down by worldly attachments. Just as a sick body cannot enjoy food, a heart weighed down by greed, materialism, or excessive desires cannot fully appreciate spiritual practices.

Prioritisation: In order to experience the true beauty of worship, one must prioritise their relationship with God over worldly pursuits. This does not mean neglecting material needs, but rather keeping them in their proper place and ensuring they do not dominate the soul.

4. The Call to Spiritual Health

Healing the Heart: The Hadith implicitly calls for spiritual healing. Excessive love for worldly possessions causes a 'sickness' of the heart that must be treated if one is to experience the sweetness of worship. This healing process involves purging the heart of greed, materialism and distractions.

Detachment and balance: The Prophet Jesus (PBUH) emphasises the importance of detaching from the world to develop a stronger connection with the divine. This does not mean rejecting the world entirely, but rather approaching it with moderation and acknowledging its transient nature.

Cultivating a Taste for Worship: Just as a person regains their appetite after recovering from illness, someone who has purified their heart of worldly distractions can begin to experience the joy of worship. This requires effort, discipline and a sincere desire to prioritise spiritual growth over material gain.

Conclusion:

This saying of Jesus (PBUH) is a profound reminder of the importance of spiritual health and purity for experiencing the joy of worship. It highlights the incompatibility between excessive attachment to worldly pleasures and the ability to connect with the divine. Through the metaphor of a sick man unable to enjoy food, Jesus draws attention to the fact that when the heart is consumed by the love of material wealth, it becomes incapable of savouring the sweetness of worship.

The Hadith serves as a call to reflect on our own attachments and distractions, encouraging us to strive for a pure and focused heart. By prioritising spiritual connection and seeking a balance between worldly and divine pursuits, we open ourselves to the transformative power of worship and the enduring sweetness it brings. Ultimately, Jesus reminds us that true fulfilment lies not in the fleeting pleasures of the material world, but in the eternal joy of worshipping and being devoted to God.

This profound saying, attributed to Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (as) and delivered as a divine message to Jesus (peace be upon him), encapsulates essential wisdom about the nature of desires and their powerful influence on our spiritual journeys.

The directive, “O Jesus, restrain yourself from destructive desires,” underscores the critical importance of self-discipline. It challenges us to recognize that certain desires can lead us down a perilous path to spiritual decline. Destructive desires—those cravings that divert our focus from divine connection—can manifest as materialism, lust, anger, or other excesses that strip away our spiritual essence and purpose.

Moreover, the call to “abandon any desire that keeps you away from me” reinforces the necessity of placing our relationship with the Divine above all worldly pursuits. Desires that draw us away from God are not merely distractions; they are formidable obstacles that stifle our spiritual growth and understanding. Embracing this wisdom requires a conscious and courageous choice to distance ourselves from such temptations, reminding us that the journey toward spiritual fulfillment demands both awareness and decisive action.

Ultimately, this message serves as a powerful reminder of the fragile balance between our human desires and our spiritual aspirations. It urges us to foster self-control, critically examine the nature of our desires, and consciously align our actions with the noble pursuit of closeness to God. By committing to this path, we can adeptly navigate life's complexities while remaining unwavering in our faith and dedication to our spiritual journey.

This powerful statement speaks to the essence of contentment, simplicity, and detachment from material possessions. It reflects the mindset of someone who finds true wealth in their reliance on God and the sufficiency of the essentials provided for living. The speaker, the prophet Jesus, expresses profound gratitude for the simplicity of their life, recognizing that true richness is not in accumulating material wealth but in being free from worldly attachments and finding fulfillment in one's connection with the Divine.

1. Simplicity and Detachment

The speaker describes his life as devoid of luxury—using his hands to serve him self, walking on foot rather than relying on animals, sleeping on the earth without a bed, using a stone as a pillow, and finding warmth in the sun's rays. These details reveal a life of asceticism and simplicity, where material comforts are replaced by a deep sense of gratitude and reliance on God.

2. True Wealth is Inner Contentment

Despite having no possessions, the speaker states that no one is richer than him. This profound declaration highlights that wealth is not measured by material accumulation but by inner peace, self-sufficiency, and the absence of need. True riches come from being content with what God provides and not being enslaved by worldly desires.

3. Freedom from Materialism

The Hadith emphasizes the freedom and independence that come from detachment from material possessions. By rejecting dependence on wealth, luxury, or worldly comforts, the speaker experiences a sense of liberation and closeness to God, demonstrating a life lived according to higher spiritual values.

4. Gratitude for God's Creation

This statement expresses deep gratitude for the natural provisions God has given us: hands to serve, feet to travel, the earth to rest upon, and the sun for warmth. It encourages believers to recognize the blessings in simple things and to appreciate what is given.

Practical Implications:

1. Embrace simplicity.

Simplifying your life and reducing your dependence on material possessions can bring you inner peace and clarity. Reflect on what is truly necessary, and let go of the excess that burdens your spirit.

2. Cultivate gratitude.

Focus on the blessings you have, no matter how small they may seem. Recognize the gifts of nature, health, and the ability to work and provide for yourself rather than longing for more.

3. Foster detachment.

Work toward detaching your happiness and self-worth from material things, wealth, or possessions. True contentment comes from within and through reliance on God.

4. Live humbly.

 Seek humility in your lifestyle and actions. Avoid arrogance or pride based on material wealth, and treat others with kindness regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Conclusion

This Hadith offers a profound lesson in asceticism, contentment, and spiritual richness. It reminds us that true wealth is not found in material possessions, but rather in freedom from dependence on them, gratitude for what is given, and reliance on God. The prophet Jesus exemplifies a life of simplicity, detachment, and humility, demonstrating that happiness and fulfillment come from appreciating life's essentials and trusting in the Creator. This teaching challenges us to reflect on our relationship with the world and invites us to embrace simplicity and inner peace.