Have you ever noticed how the people around you influence your thoughts, habits, and even your mood? In Islam, the importance of good friends and positive relationships (Suhbah) is emphasized because the company we keep shapes who we become.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
الْمَرْءُ عَلَى دِينِ خَلِيلِهِ، فَلْيَنْظُرْ أَحَدُكُمْ مَنْ يُخَالِلُ
"A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so be careful whom you befriend." (Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi)
This means that the people we spend time with can either bring us closer to Allah or lead us away from Him. Let’s explore why choosing the right friends is so important in our daily lives.
1. Friends Influence Our Behavior
Think about it: when you hang out with kind, honest, and hardworking people, don’t you feel inspired to be like them? On the other hand, if you're surrounded by negativity, gossip, or bad habits, it’s easy to pick up those traits too.
Imagine two students, one who studies regularly and another who skips classes. If they start spending more time together, one will likely influence the other. That’s why Islam encourages us to stay close to people who bring out the best in us.
2. Good Friends Lift Us Up Spiritually
Being around people who remind us of Allah helps strengthen our faith. They encourage us to pray, read the Quran, and be kind to others. Allah says in the Quran:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ
"O you who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are true (in word and deed)." (Qur'an 9:119)
Have you ever been with a friend who reminded you to pray on time or encouraged you to do something good? That’s the beauty of righteous companionship, it helps us grow spiritually without even realizing it.
3. Friends Support Us Through Hard Times
Life isn’t always easy, and we all go through challenges. Good friends offer support, advice, and encouragement when we need it most. Allah reminds us:
إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ
"The believers are but a single brotherhood, so make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers." (Qur'an 49:10)
When you’re feeling down, isn’t it comforting to have a friend who listens, reassures you, and reminds you to trust in Allah? That’s what true friendship is about lifting each other up in faith and in life.
4. Good Company Protects Us from Negativity
In today’s world, it’s easy to be influenced by social media trends, peer pressure, or toxic environments. Having the right friends helps us stay grounded and avoid bad choices. Allah Quran warns us:
وَيَوْمَ يَعَضُّ الظَّالِمُ عَلَى يَدَيْهِ يَقُولُ يَا لَيْتَنِي اتَّخَذْتُ مَعَ الرَّسُولِ سَبِيلًا ۞ يَا وَيْلَتَىٰ لَيْتَنِي لَمْ أَتَّخِذْ فُلَانًا خَلِيلًا
"The wrongdoer will bite at his hands [in regret] and say, ‘Oh! I wish I had taken the right path with the Messenger! Woe to me! I wish I had never taken that person as a friend!'" (Qur'an 25:27-29)
Have you ever regretted doing something just because a friend pressured you into it? The people we surround ourselves with can either help us stay strong in faith or push us towards regret.
5. Good Friends Bring Blessings (Barakah)
Being with positive, righteous people brings blessings into our lives. Their prayers, good advice, and presence make our journey in life more meaningful.
Have you ever noticed that some friendships feel peaceful and uplifting, while others drain your energy? That’s because good company brings barakah, a sense of happiness, purpose, and guidance.
6. Your Friends Reflect Your Values
The people we choose to be around say a lot about who we are and what matters to us. If we want to be better Muslims, we should surround ourselves with those who inspire us to be good. As the saying goes:
أخبرني من هم أصدقاؤك، وسأخبرك من أنت
"Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are."
If you admire someone for their kindness, patience, or strong faith, try to spend more time with them. Over time, their qualities will influence you, just like yours will influence them.
In conclusion, friendship in Islam is more than just having fun together, it’s about helping each other grow in faith, kindness, and character. Choose friends who remind you of Allah, encourage you to do good, and support you through life’s ups and downs.
May Allah bless us all with good friends who bring us closer to Him. Ameen!