WHO IS YOUR TRUE COMPANION?

While Madiha knew the differentiation between right and wrong, she was misguided by her friends as they had planned to bunk their college and watch movies instead and that was followed by hookah bars. Madiha never had an idea where they were taking her as she was only aware of the movie that they had planned to watch. However little did she know that soon she would be exposed to this trouble that will become a lesson for a lifetime. Whilst coming out from the cinemas, they hurried up to the nearest hookah bar; and soon as they entered she saw it for herself.. “it was smoke everywhere.” She could not believe her eyes off and felt the uneasiness in her heart. She started to choke and in not more than a second she left the place.

Madiha’s story was a blessing in disguise. Sometimes Allah plans some events in your life that eventually teach you lessons that further make you a better person. Imagine if she would not have immediately left the place, she might have ended up sinning but regardless she followed her conscience even when her so-called true friends were displeasing Allah. Just as Madiha knew the reality of her friends, soon Allah will make clear to you who deserves to be in your life as Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A) said- “A friend cannot be considered a friend until he is tested in three occasions: in time of need, behind your back, and after your death.”

The selection of friends is very important in a Muslim’s life. The world is full of positive and negative people whoever you choose to befriend will most likely have an impact upon your character and conduct. Even the Prophet (SAW) said- “A man follows the religion of his friend; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend.” (Abu Dawood). You will meet all types of people in your life – some will be busy enjoying the short-term pleasures of this life and will call you to displease Allah whilst others will correct you throughout your lifetime and will give you sincere advice to fear Allah and prepare you for your meeting with Him. Some will also want you to change your mindset on the present life and consider that this life as being short so you can fulfill your whims so that you adhere to the concept of You Only Live Once (YOLO). Allah (SWT) has given you the intellect to think and decide and choose the company that you want to remain in. So, choose wisely! Either you want to accompany those who remind you of Allah or those who call you to disobey Allah.

Do not befriend someone who persists in major wrongdoings, for witnessing such actions on a regular basis makes wrongdoings seem insignificant.

Imam Ghazali

Your friend should be like a mirror to you who not only shows you your true self but also shows your flaws & helps you improve them. Sufyan al-Thawri said: “There is nothing that corrupts a person or rectifies him more than his companion.” Therefore, your friend should not just pay lip service to you but also corrects you wherever and whenever required. A friend who does this has value worth more than a gem as they will be a source of elevation of your Iman.

Close friends, that Day, will be enemies to each other, except for the righteous.

Al-Quran

Always remember your true friend is the one who draws you closer to Allah, who reminds you to fear Allah in all aspects of your life. They are the ones who uplift you with their words in times of hardships and who become your support system not only in terms of Deen but also assist you in worldly affairs. A true companion uplifts your character & conduct performance. They give you the right directions at all times. Although Shaytaan may try his best to bring envy, jealousy, and animosity between you, you do not have to let him defeat you by thinking otherwise. No matter how many times you get into an argument with your friend, always remind yourself about the righteous character and positive side of the other and the times in which they have given you the right advice.

A person whom you love for the sake of Allah never becomes jealous of their success. In fact, a real friend assists and keeps on motivating you till the end of life. You keep in check of Iman of one another. A real friend keeps pushing you towards Jannah, and they are also patient with you. They are your companions in the Hereafter.

A true friend is also the one who mentions Allah to you in your presence and mentions you to Allah in your absence. It is not just sharing the wonderful day that you have spent together on social media or making duas in text messages but a real conversation that you should have in secret with your Lord. You ask Allah to grant them guidance, wisdom, good health & a life full of blessings and good deeds. How many times do you mention your friend to Allah?

Lastly, I would end with the narration from the Prophet (SAW)-
“A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)