October 19: New Friends Day

Today, October 19, is New Friends Day. Friendship is a unique treasure in human life. A good friend stands by us like a ray of hope during difficult times, while bad friendships can lead us down the wrong path. Thus, it is essential to be mindful when choosing friends. 

Islam offers significant guidance on selecting friends.  

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:  

"A person follows the faith of his friend; so, be careful whom you take as a friend." (Abu Dawood, 4833)  

Friends should inspire us toward pleasing Allah and correct us when we make mistakes. The Holy Quran warns:  

"On that Day (the Day of Judgment), the wrongdoers will regret and say: ‘Oh, if only I had not taken that person as a friend!’" (Surah Al-Furqan, 25:28)  

Allah also says in the Quran:  

"Believers should not take disbelievers as friends in place of other believers. And whoever does so will have no relation with Allah." (Surah Aal-E-Imran, 2)  

Furthermore, Allah advises:  

"O believers! Fear Allah and be with those who are truthful." (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:119)  

The Prophet (PBUH) gave a beautiful analogy:  

"A good friend and a bad friend are like a perfume seller and a blacksmith. The perfume seller may gift you perfume, you may buy it from him, or at the very least, enjoy a pleasant smell. On the other hand, the blacksmith may burn your clothes or you might leave with a foul smell."* (Sahih Bukhari, 2641)  

The Prophet (PBUH) also said:  

"It is better to be alone than to have a bad companion, and having a good companion is better than being alone." (Sahih Bukhari, 2439)  

"A person is influenced by the character of their friend, so be mindful of whom you befriend." (Jami’ Tirmidhi, 2347)  

Hazrat Ali (RA) said:  

"Friendships formed after careful consideration will last, and the bond between such friends will be profound."

Imam Al-Ghazali (RA) advised that a friend should have three qualities:  

1. Wisdom and knowledge.  

2. Good character and pleasant behavior.  

3. Righteousness and piety.  

How to Be a Good Friend  

1. Be honest and kind – Offer genuine love and support to your friends.  

2. Be forgiving and patient – Learn to overlook small mistakes to maintain relationships.  

3. Stand for truth and justice– Do not support friends in wrongdoing but guide them toward the right path.  

Once, a Bedouin asked the Prophet (PBUH) about the Day of Judgment. The Prophet (PBUH) asked, “What have you prepared for it?” The man replied, *“I don’t have much in terms of extra prayers, fasting, or charity, but I love Allah and His Messenger.”* The Prophet (PBUH) said, *“You will be with those you love.” (Sahih Muslim, 2639)  

Hazrat Alqamah (RA) said:  

"Befriend those whose company improves you, who help you when you're in need, correct you when you make mistakes, acknowledge your virtues, point out your flaws, and comfort you in difficult times."

Friendship is not just about fun and socializing but about mutual growth and support. True friends care for both our worldly and eternal well-being.  

Let’s strive to be friends who wish the best for each other, not only in this life but also in the Hereafter.  

"Those who love each other for the sake of Allah will be under the shade of His Throne on the Day of Judgment." (Sahih Muslim, 2567)