In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Assalamu Alaikum (Peace be upon you) dear brothers and sisters, Friendship is a cherished bond that plays a significant role in our lives. In Islam, the value of companionship and maintaining good relations with friends is emphasized. In this compilation, we present the “Top 10 Hadith for Friendship” to guide us in fostering and nurturing meaningful friendships that align with our faith and values.
Importance of Hadith for Friendship
The Top 10 Hadith on Friendship emphasize the importance of selecting and maintaining friendships wisely in Islam. These Hadith provide valuable guidance on building strong, sincere, and positive relationships with others. They highlight qualities such as loyalty, honesty, kindness, and compassion as essential attributes in a friend. These Hadith also caution against harmful friendships that may lead one astray or compromise their values. By adhering to the teachings of these Hadith, Muslims can cultivate meaningful, supportive, and spiritually uplifting friendships that contribute to their personal growth and adherence to Islamic principles.
Hadith 1 Choosing Good Companions
Narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A man follows the religion of his friend; so, each one should consider whom he makes his friend.”
Translation : Your faith is influenced by the company you keep, so choose your friends wisely.
Reference : Sunan Abi Dawood, Book 42, Hadith 4833
Importance : This Hadith underscores the impact of our companions on our faith and character.
Lesson and Reflection
- Be selective in choosing friends who share your values.
- Surround yourself with those who uplift your faith.
- Top 10 hadith for beginners : Translation, Importance, Reference and learnings
- Top 10 hadith for depression : Translation, Importance, Reference and learnings
- Top 10 Hadith for Sadqah : Translation, Importance, Reference and learnings
Hadith 2 Sincere Friendship
Narrated by Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A believer to another believer is like a building whose different parts enforce each other.” The Prophet then clasped his hands with the fingers interlaced (while saying that).
Translation : Believers are like a cohesive structure, each part supporting the other.
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 78, Hadith 119
Importance : This Hadith highlights the concept of sincere and supportive friendship among believers.
Lesson and Reflection
- Foster friendships built on mutual support and sincerity.
- Strive to be a dependable and supportive friend.
Hadith 3 Maintaining Ties of Brotherhood
Narrated by Abu Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “You do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but you deal with them with forgiveness and kindness.”
Translation : Respond to harm with forgiveness and kindness, not with harm in return.
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 73, Hadith 47
Importance : This Hadith encourages us to maintain bonds of brotherhood, even in the face of adversity.
Lesson and Reflection
- Cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and kindness in your friendships.
- Uphold the principles of brotherhood, especially during challenging times.
Hadith 4 The Impact of Friendship on Character
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so look whom you befriend.”
Translation : Your faith often aligns with that of your friend, so choose friends who strengthen your faith.
Reference : Sunan Abi Dawood, Book 42, Hadith 4832
Importance : This Hadith reminds us of the profound influence friends can have on our faith and character.
Lesson and Reflection
- Seek friends whose faith inspires and strengthens your own.
- Be mindful of the impact you have on your friends’ faith.
Hadith 5 Being a Good Friend
Narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The rights of a Muslim on a Muslim are six: returning greetings, visiting the sick, following funerals, accepting invitations, saying ‘Yarhamuk Allah (may Allah have mercy on you)’ when one sneezes, and saying ‘Ateehak Allah (may Allah grant you refuge from evil)’ when one is ill.”
Translation : Being a good friend involves fulfilling the rights and responsibilities of friendship.
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 76, Hadith 5
Importance : This Hadith outlines the obligations of being a supportive and caring friend in Islam.
Lesson and Reflection
- Strive to fulfill the rights of your friends.
- Be a source of comfort and support in times of need.
Hadith 6 Kindness in Friendship
Narrated by Abu Shuraih (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe!” It was said, “Who, O Allah’s Messenger?” He said, “The one whose neighbor does not feel safe from his evil.”
Translation : True belief encompasses showing kindness and consideration to your neighbors, including friends.
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 76, Hadith 31
Importance : This Hadith emphasizes the importance of being a trustworthy and kind friend to those around you.
Lesson and Reflection
- Extend your kindness to friends and neighbors alike.
- Ensure your friends feel safe and secure in your company.
Hadith 7 Secrets of Friendship
Narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but He looks at your hearts and deeds.”
Translation : True friendship is based on the purity of the heart and one’s actions, not on external appearances or wealth.
Reference : Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 93
Importance : This Hadith reminds us that genuine friendship is rooted in inner qualities and righteous deeds.
Lesson and Reflection
- Seek friends with sincere hearts and good character.
- Cultivate inner qualities that enhance your friendships.
Hadith 8 The Company of the Righteous
Narrated by Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The example of a good companion (who sits with you) in comparison with a bad one is like that of the musk seller and the blacksmith’s bellows (or furnace); from the first, you would either buy musk or enjoy its good smell, while the bellows would either burn your clothes or your house, or you get a bad nasty smell thereof.”
Translation : Choose friends who positively influence you, like the musk seller’s fragrance, not those who harm your character like a blacksmith’s bellows.
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 76, Hadith 94
Importance : This Hadith emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with righteous and virtuous friends.
Lesson and Reflection
- Be discerning in your choice of friends, opting for those who uplift your character.
- Strive to be a positive influence on your friends.
- Hadith of Prophet Muhammad- Muslim Dunia
- Hadith of the Day: Inspirational Islamic Teachings | Muslim Dunia
- Hadith of the 73 Sects- Muslim Dunia
Hadith 9 Helping Friends in Need
Narrated by Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is oppressed.” People asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him)! It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “By preventing him from oppressing others.”
Translation : Support your friend, whether they are wronged or in the wrong.
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 76, Hadith 118
Importance : This Hadith highlights the responsibility of aiding friends in times of need and guiding them toward righteousness.
Lesson and Reflection
- Be there for your friends during their trials.
- Offer guidance to friends who may be on the wrong path.
Hadith 10 Spreading Salam
Narrated by Abdullah bin ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hands the Muslims are safe, and a Muhajir (emigrant) is the one who refrains from what Allah has forbidden.”
Translation : A true Muslim ensures the safety and well-being of fellow Muslims with their words and actions.
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 76, Hadith 49
Importance : This Hadith encourages us to create an atmosphere of safety and peace among our friends and fellow Muslims.
Lesson and Reflection
- Be a source of peace and security for your friends and the Muslim community.
- Refrain from actions that harm others.
Aslam Ahmad is a seasoned Islamic scholar renowned for his profound expertise in Hadith studies and the spiritual dimensions of prayers. With a lifetime devoted to learning and contemplation, he offers invaluable insights into the teachings of Islam. His ability to harmonize traditional wisdom with contemporary challenges has made him a guiding light for modern Muslims.