friendship

1:32:31

2018-04-10

1304

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all.

It is an aspect that we come across daily; it is within our human nature to form these bonds. Without them individuals seem to have a lack of confidence or trust in themselves. It is people that we meet at work, school, or through our day that we eventually regard as friends.

Humans are social creatures by nature; they're always in need of friends and companions. Most of our lives depend on interaction with others. Strong individuals are the core of a strong community, something that Muslims should always strive for.

So on what basis do we choose a friend? Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) who has the most noble character and dealings with fellow humans gave us a very clear and simple message and advice in regard to friendship. We should always attach ourselves to people who bring us closer to God, and the Ahul-bayt, and to people who believe in them, and obey their orders. And we should stay away from who is not well mannered and gives no attention to what Islam is about or what pleases or displeases Allah (SWT).

It is through friendship that we please Allah and enter heaven, and it’s through friendship that we displease Allah and enter Hell. In today’s society we have heard many stories regarding this topic. Many well-mannered and behaved teenagers have gone astray because of the crowd they surround their self with. In an authentic Hadith, Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) said: "Man is influenced by the faith of his friends. Therefore, be careful of whom you associate with."

Over time an individual specifically a teenager will be affected by the actions of his or her friends, whether it was positive behavior or negative behaviour.

When choosing our friends we should ask ourselves first: Are they going to help us achieve the purpose for which we were brought to life? Or will they take us away from it? Will they desire for us Allah (SWT)'s pleasure or is that completely irrelevant to them and not their concern at all? Are they leading us to Paradise or to the Hell?

These are all questions we should ask our self before choosing a friend. Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) was asked, "Who is the best among people?" Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) replied, "He who, when you look at him, you remember Allah (SWT)". Such a friend reflects qualities of love, mercy, honesty, service, patience, optimism, professionalism, and the entire lifestyle taught by Islam.

A friend is someone who should add positivity in your life, and encourage good values in you. A friend should speak up when you’re doing something wrong, the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) stated, "The believer is like a mirror to other believers (in truthfulness)." Like a mirror, your friend gives you an honest image. He forgives your mistakes, but does not hide or exaggerate your strengths and weaknesses.

It is better that someone befriends someone who is better than them, so that they are constantly learning when they are around them. Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) says: "Be the friend of him who may grace you, not of one whom you are better than." Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) also says: "My most beloved brother is he who (makes me aware of) my faults."

Therefore, a friend should be a blessing not a source of trouble and hardship. They should always remind you of Allah and Ahlul-Bayt (AS).