Riyad as-Salihin, 363

Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "The similitude of good company and that of bad company is that of the owner of musk and of the one blowing the bellows. The owner of musk would either offer you some free of charge, or you would buy it from him, or you smell its pleasant fragrance; and as for the one who blows the bellows (i.e., the blacksmith), he either burns your clothes or you smell a repugnant smell". [Al- Bukhari and Muslim].

وعن أبي موسى الأشعري رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏

‏إنما مثل الجليس الصالح وجليس السوء، كحامل المسك، ونافخ الكير، فحامل المسك، إما أن يحذيك، وإما أن تبتاع منه، وإما أن تجد منه ريحًا طيبة، ونافخ الكير، إما أن يحرق ثيابك ، وإما أن تجد منه ريحًا منتنة‏

‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏ ‏.‏

References1 variant

In-Book Reference: Introduction, Hadith 363

Sharh · explanationclick to expand

Guidance from the Hadith: 1) Using examples in prophetic Hadiths is one of the educational methods that are used to ensure clearer understanding for the listener. 2) It is forbidden to accompany evil and wicked people, for their company badly impacts one’s religious and worldly affairs. 3) It is encouraged to befriend righteous people, as their example is like that of the seller of perfumes from whom you get only what is good.

Related hadiths2