Page 38 - Pure Life 04

A Good Friend in Islam /37

Hypocrites are the people who present themselves as
friend of people while in reality lie, break his promises,
betray, back bite and abandon in the times of need.
About such people God says in Quran (Surah AT
Tauba, Verse 67):

ِفوُرْعَمْلا ِنَع َنْوَهْنَي َو ِرَكْنُمْلاِب َنوُرُمْأَي ٍضْعَب ْنِم ْمُهُضْعَب ُتاَقِفاَنُمْلاَو َنوُقِفاَنُمْلا "

" َنوُقِساَفْلا ُمُه َنيِقِفاَنُمْلا َّنِإ ْمُهَيِسَنَف َهَّللا اوُسَن ْمُهَيِدْيَأ َنوُضِبْقَيَو
“The hypocrites, both men and women, precede one
from another. They enjoin the wrong, and they forbid the
right, and they withhold their hands (from spending for
the cause of Allah). They forget Allah, so He hath
forgotten them. Lo! The hypocrites, they are the
transgressors.”
Thus, while seeking a good friend it is important to
ascertain that the concerned individual is “genuine” and
“trustworthy”. This is an extremely difficult task considering
that no individual reveals him / herself completely to others
and therefore ultimate integrity and congeniality of an
apparent friend cannot be known. Quran offers guidelines to
the believers by identifying the signs to watch out as we
should not develop friendship with hypocrites because they
will not only drown in hell fire themselves but are likely to
drag you along themselves as well.
A good friend according to Islam is one who helps you
in remembering God and following His prescribed path.
The speech of a good friend increases your knowledge and
his actions motivate you in right direction for this world
and that hereafter. Therefore it is clear that for any Muslim
who wants to protect and safeguard his faith it is important
to be selective in making friendships and company.