In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
“Is he who payeth adoration in the watches of the night, prostrate and standing, bewaring of the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, (to be accounted equal with a disbeliever)? Say (unto them, O Muhammad): Are those who know equal with those who know not? But only men of understanding will pay heed.” (39:9)
The Splendor of Knowledge according to the Sages.
By Dr. Hamzah Ibn Fayi' Al Fathi.
May Allah preserve him.
Choose your companions carefully.
Some of the sages have said:
Whoever keeps company with the scholars is held in high esteem,
while whoever sits with the foolish is held in contempt.
The reason is that he acquires their goodness and nobility,
and attains the blessing of knowledge and the companionship of the righteous.
Thus, he finds light, attains goodness,
and secures pearls of wisdom.
Sitting with them inspires him toward dignity and gentleness,
and he no longer acts like the wretched buffoons.
His character becomes refined,
his actions are restrained,
and it is said of him:
"A companion of the virtuous and an associate of the elite."
This is in contrast to one who sits with the foolish,
who is held in contempt and belittled,
neither honored nor respected,
and who bears the shame and disgrace of their traits,
as well as their weariness and repulsiveness.
In this is evidence of the importance of friendship and the virtue of beneficial companionship.
In the well-known hadith:
"The likeness of a righteous companion and an evil companion
is that of the bearer of musk and the blower of the bellows.
As for the bearer of musk, he may give you some,
or you may purchase some from him,
or you may find a pleasant scent from him.
As for the blower of the bellows,
he may burn your clothes,
or you may find a foul odor from him."
Both [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] recorded it.
Imam Al-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
"It contains the parable set by the Prophet, peace be upon him,
comparing the righteous companion to the bearer of musk,
and the evil companion to the blower of the bellows.
It highlights the virtue of sitting with the righteous, the people of goodness, and those of noble character,
as well as those of high moral standing, piety, knowledge, and refinement.
It also contains a prohibition against sitting with people of evil and people of innovation,
or those who backbite others,
or those who frequently engage in wickedness and idleness,
and other such blameworthy types."
The meaning of "he may give you" is that he bestows upon you.
It also indicates the purity of musk, its desirability, and the permissibility of selling it.
The scholars have reached a consensus on all of this.
And Allah is the Grantor of success.