Islam and friendship: Companions and Friendship(Islam and Companions, Friendship Stories)

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 individualsare 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 usin the hereafter. Once weknow 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 ofhis 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 messageand 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 wellmannered and gives no
attention to what Islam isabout or what pleases or displeases Allah
(SWT), for he will surely affect usnegatively. 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
blowsthe 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?