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.
We all know that Allah (SWT) the Most High has brought us to life
in order to test us. Thus we are here for a relatively short period of time
and that we shall meet Allah (SWT) one Day, so we need to use our present life
for what is best for us in the hereafter.
Once we know our purpose and our goal in life, we should seek
ways to achieve them so as to benefit our own selves.
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."
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.
How should we choose our friends? We should choose the friend
that believes and abide by our religion (Islam) and gives great respect
to what Allah (SWT) and Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) has ordered us.
And we should stay away from that who is not well mannered and gives
no attention to what Islam is about or what pleases or displeases Allah (SWT),
for he will surely affect us negatively.
There is no good in the companion drowns us in sins and displeasing Allah (SWT).
In another Hadith, Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) 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."
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?
