The Best Companions
The Prophet (saw) was reportedly asked: “Which of our companions are best?” He replied: “One whose appearance reminds you of God, and whose speech increases you in knowledge, and whose actions remind you of the hereafter.” [Al-Muhasibi]
Most of us spend the majority of our time with friends. This is why the Prophet (saw) said: “A person is on the religion of his companions. Therefore let every one of you carefully consider the company he keeps.” [Tirmidhi]
We must be mindful of our surroundings and the people we spend most of our time with. Is it any wonder that we find our hearts perturbed, when it was reported that the Prophet (saw) said: “Do not speak much without mentioning Allah, for too much speech without mentioning Allah hardens the heart, and the hard-hearted are the farthest of all people from Allah Most High.” [Tirmidhi]
The Prophet (saw) reminds us of the importance of good company in this hadith: “A good friend and a bad friend are like a perfume-seller and a blacksmith: The perfume-seller might give you some perfume as a gift, or you might buy some from him, or at least you might smell its fragrance. As for the blacksmith, he might singe your clothes, and at the very least you will breathe in the fumes of the furnace.” [Bukhari, Muslim]
As the Prophet (saw) told us that one of the seven categories of people promised the shade of Allah are two persons who loved each other for the sake of Allah (swt), got together, and departed on this basis. [Bukhari, Muslim]
Good friends who prioritize their relationship with Allah will help us on the spiritual path. It is easier to pray and to do our everyday acts of worship because we have company to help us. Even when we face difficulties, these friends will support us; ultimately they will remind us of Allah during these tests and help us to rely on Him. Allah (swt) reminds us of this in the Qur’an, when He says:
“And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.” - Surah Al-Kahf (18:28)
"Be a friend who lights up the lives of others. Give them hope and make them feel worth it. We are all special to the Almighty." - Mufti Ismail Menk
May Allah unite our lives and bond our hearts with the righteous. May we enjoy each others company in this dunya and in Jannah. Ameen.
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