Question

Please advise if the following is authentic:

Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said: “Keeping company with the evil people leads (one) to distrust and suspect even the best of people.”

مجالسة الأشرار تورث سوء الظن بالأخيار

 

Answer

This narration has been attributed to Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) in Shi’i sources. I have not seen it in any authentic source.

 

Imam ‘Abdul Karim ibn Hawazin Al Qushayri (rahimahullah) -demise: 465 A.H- has recorded a similar narration as the statement of Bishr ibn Al Harith Al Hafi (rahimahullah):

صحبة الأشرار توجب سوء الظن بالأخيار

Spending time in the company of the evil will result in having evil thoughts of the righteous

(Ar Risalatul Qushayriyyah, pg. 614)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar