The Company One Keeps

Imam 'Abdallah ibn 'Alawi al-Haddad-may Allah bless his soul-mentioned in his kitab, al-Fusul al-'Ilmiyya wa'l-Usul al-Hikamiyya (Knowledge and Wisdom):

The company one keeps has major effects. It may lead either to benefitand improvement or to harm and corruption, depending on whether thecompany is that of pure and eminent people or people who are depravedand evil. This effect does not appear suddenly, but is a gradualprocess that unfolds with time. The Messenger of God, may blessings andpeace be upon him, said, "A man will be with his companions." And, "Aman's religion is that of his intimates, so let each of you considerwho he becomes intimate with." He also said:

A virtuous companion is like the merchant of musk. Either he willoffer you some, you will buy it from him, or you will find him pleasantto smell. But an evil companion is like the bellows-blower, either hewill scorch your clothes or you will receive a rotten smell from him.

If you wish to know whether those you mix and sit with increase ordiminish your faith, religion, and actions, compare your state withregard to good character, praiseworthy intentions, resolution inperforming acts of obedience, and goodness before and after theircompanionship. If you find that these acts have become stronger andmore firmly established and that you have become more desirous of andinterested in them, then know that this particular company is ofbenefit to your religion and your heart, and that if you continue withit you will gain even greater benefits and acquire many more goodthings, God willing. If, on the other hand, you find that your religionhas grown weaker and shakier, know that this company is harmful, thatits harm to your religion and your heart is evident, and that if youcontinue with it it will lead to even greater harm and evil, may Godprotect us! You should also compare the bad points you had before andafter keeping that company. This is the way to evaluate one's positionvis-a-vis those with whom one mixes and takes for one's companions. Thedecisive factor here is whether good or evil is more powerful andpredominant. When goodness in that company is more powerful andpredominant, then a wicked man who mixes with them may become attractedto goodness and its people; whereas when wickedness prevails anddominates, then it is to be feared that the good people who keep suchcompany may become attracted to wickedness and its people.

These are subtle concepts known to people possessed of discernment andwho have experience in such matters. [The Prophet] said, may blessingsand peace be upon him, " A good companion is better that solitude, andsolitude is better than a wicked companion." [The Prophet], mayblessings and peace be upon him, was given a comprehensiveness ofexpression that no other man, whether of ancient or of recent times,was ever given.