When the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam went on the miraculous night journey from Makkah Mukarramah to Jerusalem, and from there to the heavens and back in a portion of the night, he recounted this journey to the Quraish. They displayed skepticism and incredulity. Hazrat Aeysha radhiallahu anha said that it was a test of people’s faith and some failed by leaving Islam.
- Loyalty
The Quraish scented an opportunity to turn the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa salam’s closest friend and staunchest supporter Hazrat Abu Bakr radhiallahu anhu away from him. They rushed to him with the story of the journey. Hazrat Abu Bakr radhiallahu anhu reinforced his loyalty to the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam and confirmed his faith in him by saying, “How can this be a problem for me to accept when I believe something even more farfetched to your minds. I believe that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam receives revelation from the heavens during the day and night.” As a result of this display of loyalty and friendship, Hazrat Abu Bakr radhiallahu anhu earned the title of Al Siddeeq, the truthful.
The default for us when we hear something untoward about our friends should be to think the best of them and dismiss the rumours.
Who counts as our friends? Allah Ta’ala explains, “The believing males and females are friends to each other.” (Noble Quran 9:71) The definition of a friend covers all the people in our community. We should never engage in running anyone down. The Noble Quran (24:12) instructs us when we hear of any slander against our people, “Why, when you heard it, did not the believing men and believing women think good of one another and say, “This is an obvious lie.”
- Good friends
The second aspect of friendship is to link ourselves to friends who will assist us towards Paradise. Hazrat Abu Bakr radhiallahu anhu earned another title through his friendship with the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam: Saahib or companion. On the journey of Hijrah (emigration from Makkah Mukarramah to Madinah Munawwarah) Hazrat Abu Bakr radhiallahu anhu accompanied the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, and earned this title from the Lord of the Universe Who mentioned it and saved it for posterity in the Noble Quran (9:40).
We need to surround ourselves with good friends who will lead us to Paradise. The Noble Quran (43:67) informs us that all friendship will turn to enmity on the Day of Judgment except those established for the sake of Allah Ta’ala and based on piety. “Close friends will be enemies to one another on that Day, except the pious.”
The believers in Paradise will intercede for their friends who end up in Hell, saying, “Our brothers used to pray and fast and do good deeds with us,” They will be given permission to intercede for their release from Hell.
Join yourself with friends who regularly attend Islamic programs and Salaah.
- Wish well for friends
On being captured and facing execution, Khubaib radhiallahu anhu was asked if he didn’t wish for the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam to be in his place while he was free. He replied, “I wouldn’t wish for a thorn to prick the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam and I am in comfort with my family.”
Always share in the joy of others, be happy for their blessings, and pray for their continued success.
- Be the good friend
Just as we would like to have friends who will lead us to Paradise, we need to also aim to be such friends. We are taught to pray, “Make us leaders of the pious.” (Noble Quran 25:74)
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