Assalamu'alaikum=)

Name: شيخ نبيل (Shaik Nabil)

Orthodox Islam - Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama'ah (People of the Sunnah and Congregation)

School of Orthodox Theology (Aqeedah) :Ash'ari School of Theological Thought

School of Orthodox Jurisprudent (Fiqh) :Shafi'e School of Jurisprudential Thoughts

"Blessed is He in Whose hand is the Sovereignty, and He is able to do all things; Who hath created life and death that He may try you, which of you is best in conduct; and He is the Mighty, the Forgiving." Al-Qur'anul Kareem 67:1-2

O God bless our Master Muhammad (pbuh) who opened what had been closed, and who is the Seal of what had gone before, he who makes the Truth Victorious by the Truth, the guide to thy straight path, and bless his household as is the due of his immense position and grandeur.-Salatul Fatih

Friendship

Assalamu’alaikum WR WB =),

I’ve decided to dedicate my 1st post to Friendship. We live in a world full of interacting and meeting people. Islam has strongly encouraged us Muslims to strengthen the bond of Silaturrahim. Furthermore, humans have always been social beings and in need of friends and companions. For us Muslims who are living in a society where we are clearly a minority, the issue of choosing right companions is vital for preserving our Deen.

Befriending righteous and virtuous Muslims is an essential means for staying on the Straight Path. Strong individuals, on the other hand, are the core of a strong community, something that Muslims should always strive for. However, we should never neglect those whom we know that have strayed from the true path and constantly recite doa for them. Insya’Allah we will be rewarded with Taufiq and Hidayah from Allah to be mukmins and the Ummah shall rise. 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.

FIRMAN:

Allah the Exalted says in the Qur'an: "Friends on that Day will be enemies one to another, except al-Muttaqoon (i.e. those who have Taqwah)." [43:67]

HADITH:

The Noble Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: "A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so look at whom you befriend."

In another Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: "The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk, and the one who blows the blacksmith's bellows. So as for the seller of musk then either he will grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at least you enjoy a pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith's bellows then either he will burn your clothes or you will get an offensive smell from him."

The noble Prophet (SAW) pointed to the value of good company when he said that it is better to be alone than in the company of the wicked, and it is better to be in the company of the good than to be alone.

The Prophet (SAW) was asked: "What is the person that can be the best friend?" "He who helps you when you remember God, and he who reminds you when you forget Him," the Prophet (SAW) replied. Then he (SAW) was asked, "And which friend is the worst?" "He who does not help you when you remember God and does not remind you of God when you forget," he replied. Then he was again asked, "Who is the best among people?" He replied, "He who when you look at him, you remember God."

When Zaid ibn Harithah (ra), the servant of Muhammad (SAW), was killed at the battle of Mu'tah, the Prophet (SAW) said: "Zayd strove in the path of God sincerely as he should. Today he has met his Lord, and he is serene." Thereafter, Zayd's daughter found the Prophet (SAW) weeping over the dead body of her father and said: "What do I see?" The noble Prophet (SAW), with tears in his eyes, said: "A friend weeping for his friend."

Through such actions and sentiments, the Prophet (SAW) showed his gentleness and true human friendship and brotherhood.

SAYINGS BY KHALIFAH:

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (ra) Says: "The poor is one who does not have any friend."

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (ra) Says: "Live amongst people in such a manner that if you die they weep over you and if you are alive they crave for your company (friendship)."

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (ra) Says: "Friendship transfers a stranger in to a relative."

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (ra) Says: "Do not choose as your friend the enemy of your friend."

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (ra) Says: "Two true friends are a single soul in different bodies."

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (ra) Says: "He who discards a friend for slight offence risks loneliness."

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (ra) Says: "In time of distress a man can distinguished between his friend and enemy."

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (ra) Says: "Be not friend with a fool, for he will harm you while meaning to do good to you."

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (ra) Says: "It is better to listen to a wise enemy than to seek counsel from a foolish friend."

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (ra) Says: "Keep away from friendship of liar surely he will show you as near what is far from you and will show as far what is near you."

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (ra) Says: "If a friend envies you, then he is not a true friend."

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (ra) Says: "Verily, there are three (types of) friends for a Muslim,
a) The friend who says: I am with you whether you are alive or dead', and this is his deed.
b) The friend who says: I am with you unto the threshold of your grave and then I will leave you', and this is his children.
c) The friend who says: I will be with you until when you die', and this is his wealth which will belong to the inheritors when he dies."

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (ra) Says: "He who is deserted by friends and relatives will often find help and sympathy from strangers."

Therefore, we can see the importance of Friends and Friendship in our lives. May we pray to Allah to make us of the righteous ones and give us companions that will take us away from His Wrath and lead us to His Pleasure and Paradise. Insya’Allah.

References:
www.missionislam.com/knowledge/Friendship.htm
http://members.lycos.co.uk/sep2002/friendshipinislam.htm
http://www.ezsoftech.com/stories/mis16.asp

Salam 'Alaik =)

5:11 PM ·