Choosing Friends and Companions with Care and Attention:
Friendships and social relationships have a profound impact on a person’s soul and intellect. They can play a crucial role in one’s progress or stagnation, as well as in the peace or anxiety of society. Islam places great importance on these bonds, which influence or are influenced by, and remain present in an individual’s life for a long time.
If these relationships are formed and nurtured with pure and sincere intentions, Allah accepts and blesses them. However, if they are improper and worthless, He rejects them and returns them to their owners. «الْأَخِلَّاءُ يَوْمَئِذٍ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا الْمُتَّقِينَ يَا عِبَادِ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْكُمُ الْيَوْمَ وَلَا أَنتُمْ تَحْزَنُونَ» “On that Day, friends will become enemies to one another, except for those who were mindful of Allah. O My servants who have been mindful! Today, you will have no fear, nor will you grieve.” [1]
Islam is a religion of social connection, affection, and solidarity. It emphasizes familiarity and interaction with people. Its teachings are not based on isolation and individualism, nor does it encourage Muslims to withdraw from society or evade life’s responsibilities. The mission of a Muslim is not designed to detach them from society or lead them to retreat into monasteries for worship. Allah has not reserved high ranks for those inclined toward seclusion and weakness.
The Prophet (PBUH) says: «المُؤْمِنُ الَّذِى يُخَالِطُ النَّاسَ وَيَصْبِرُ عَلى أذَاهُمْ خَيْرٌ مِنَ المُؤْمِنِ الَّذِى لا يُخالِطُ النَّاسَ وَلا يَصْبِرُ عَلَى آذَاهُمْ» “A believer who interacts with people and patiently endures their harm is better than a believer who does not interact with people and does not endure their harm.” [2]
For whom have congregational prayers been prescribed? Upon whom has the Friday prayer been made obligatory? Who bears the heavy burden of jihad and perseveres through its exhausting challenges? These responsibilities and similar duties necessitate a community whose individual and collective bonds are deeply rooted.
Thus, when Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) was repeatedly asked about a man who fasts during the day and prays at night but does not attend congregational or Friday prayers, he replied: “Inform him that he is among the people of Hell.” [3]
For this reason, Islam insists that its acts of worship and major rituals be designed to bring Muslims together, so they can support one another in performing them. Within these gatherings, they can absorb pure and sincere emotions of love and deep devotion. The larger the congregation a Muslim participates in, the greater the reward, blessing, and benefit.
It is mentioned in a hadith: «صلاةُ الرَّجُلِ مَعَ الرَّجُلِ أَفْضَلُ مِنْ صَلاتِهِ وَحْدَهُ، وصَلاةُ الرَّجُلِ مَعَ الرَّجُلَيْنِ أَفْضَلُ مِنْ صَلاتِهِ مَعَ الرَّجُلِ، وَكُلَّما زادَ العَدَدُ كانَ أَحَبَّ إِلى اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ» “A person’s prayer with another is better than their prayer alone, and their prayer with two people is better than with one. The more worshippers there are, the more beloved it is to Allah.” [4]
Additionally, in another narration, it is stated: «صلاةُ الرَّجُلَيْنِ يُؤُمُّ أَحَدُهُمَا الآخَرَ أَفْضَلُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ مِنْ صَلاةِ أَرْبَعَةٍ بِتَفَرُّقٍ، وَصَلاةُ أَرْبَعَةٍ أَفْضَلُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ مِنْ صَلاةِ ثَمَانِيَةٍ بِتَفَرُّقٍ، وَصَلاةُ ثَمَانِيَةٍ بِإِمَامٍ وَاحِدٍ أَفْضَلُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ مِنْ صَلاةِ مِائَةٍ بِتَفَرُّقٍ» “The prayer of two people, where one leads and the other follows, is better in the sight of Allah than the prayer of four people who pray separately. The prayer of four people in congregation is better than the prayer of eight people who pray individually. And the prayer of eight people with one imam is better in the sight of Allah than the prayer of a hundred people who pray separately.” [5]
These teachings indicate that Islam encourages Muslims to appear as large, united groups rather than as scattered and isolated individuals. However, the matter of seclusion, social interaction, and forming friendships is governed by various laws and rulings that must be observed.
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