Islam & the Concept of Friendships

Alhamdulillah for this opportunity.  I was really eager wanted to share these Hadiths  perspective for my dear friends. As a social creatures all of us need each other companions. I probably not the only minority in the worlds societies. Yet choosing the right companions is essential for preserving our Deen. 

Personally I am happy to befriend with anyone. Hence in this crazy world, where some people are no longer feel shame to expose their aurat, alcohol become a lifestyle, drugs, and lost in worldly amusements, I feel the urgency in maintaining righteous practicing Muslim friends. I am not flawless either. But I sincerely hope this hadith can be a wake-up call for each one of us. 

Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so look whom you befriend." [reported by Abu Dawood & Tirmidhee].

Mixing with friend(s) who doesn't have faith might change your habits, then behaviour and even your religion (Naudzubillah). I too, have practicing Moslem friends who shamelessly drink alcohol, eat pork and other wrong-doings. 

I feel sad inside, and I am aware that each one of us is warrior (Khilafah) in this world. When your friends drink alcohol casually, you have the choice to be afraid of committing sin. Better to raise an early reminder, than later they will think it's a cool behaviour and a normality. We have the option to remind them nicely. At least we tried. InshaAllah I will keep reminding my surrounding moslem friends too. 

"O you who believe! do not take for intimate friends from among others than your own people, they do not fall short of inflicting loss upon you; they love what distresses you; vehement hatred has already appeared from out of their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater still; indeed, We have made the communications clear to you, if you will understand." Qur'an (3:118)

Graciously we still have to treat other in noble manner. Still keep yourself in a rational distance as prevention. 

Umar (RA) said: "Do not bother about what does not concern you. Remain aloof from your enemy. Be watchful of your friend except he who is trustworthy. For no one among people can compare to a trustworthy person. And there is no trustworthy person except he who fears Allah. Do not befriend an open sinner for he will cause you to commit sin. And do not share your secrets with him. Consult those who fear Allah in all your matters." [Ibn al-Mubarak in az-Zuhd, p.491]

Seeking a righteous friendship in the sake of Allah swt is essential for hereafter. Remember each one of is like a traveler in this world, who take a rest under a shading tree and it will be gone. 

"Friends on that Day will be enemies one to another, except al-Muttaqoon (i.e. those who have Taqwah)." [43:67]

I value the difference. It's beautiful. It makes me ponder and reminiscing how powerful is Allah swt has created us. The final question to remind ourselves is whether our dearest friend will remind us hand in hand in reaching the purpose of our lives, to lead us to Jannah or Hellfire ?