In the tapestry of life, few threads shine as brightly as the bonds of friendship. These connections, woven with trust, empathy, and mutual respect, are among the most valuable treasures one can possess.
True friends are not just companions; they are mirrors reflecting our inner selves, compasses guiding us towards our best, and anchors providing stability in life’s tumultuous seas.
This universal truth about the value of friendship transcends cultural and religious boundaries, finding a special place in the heart of Islamic teachings.
Islam places immense value on the concept of friendship. It underscores the importance of good companionship not only as a source of earthly comfort but also as a means to spiritual upliftment. The essence of Islamic teachings on friendship can be beautifully exampled in the profound relationship between the messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA).
Their bond was not just a friendship; it was a testament to loyalty, faith, and unwavering support in times of both ease and hardship, and we will go more into this later.
Let’s explore the warmth and depth of friendships as seen through the lens of Islam. Our journey will take us through a curated collection of quotes about friendship from various Islamic sources, including the Hadith and the Holy Quran.
Each quote is not just a string of words but a pearl of wisdom, illuminating the path to forming and cherishing the most precious of relations.
Related: Finding Community: How to Connect with Muslims in Your Area
Islamic Friendship Quotes and Their Significance
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on Choosing Friends:
“A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so look whom you befriend.”
[Reference: Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi]
This Hadith emphasizes the importance of choosing friends wisely, as their influence can significantly impact one’s faith and life choices.
On the Value of Righteous Friends:
“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.”
[Reference: Sahih Bukhari]
This illustrates the profound impact of companionship, comparing a righteous friend to a musk seller who brings nothing but goodness.
About Helping Friends:
“The believer to the believer is like a solid building, one part supporting the other.”
[Reference: Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]
This quote highlights the strength and support friends offer each other in the Islamic faith, symbolizing unity and mutual support.
Kindness in Friendship:
“He who is devoid of kindness is devoid of goodness.”
[Reference: Sahih Muslim]
This simple yet profound saying underscores the importance of kindness in all relationships, including friendship.
Encouraging Good Deeds in Friendship:
“The best friend in the sight of Allah is he who is the well-wisher of his companions, and the best neighbour is one who behaves best towards his neighbours.”
[Reference: Tirmidhi]
This quote promotes the idea of wishing well for friends and being a good neighbor, emphasizing good deeds in close relationships.
On Friendship and Faith:
“A man follows the religion of his friend; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend.”
[Reference: Sunan Abu Dawood]
This Hadith again highlights the influence of friends on one’s religious and moral path.
The Reward of Friendship for Allah’s Sake:
“Allah will say on the Day of Resurrection: Where are those who loved each other for My glory’s sake? Today, on a day when there is no shade but Mine, I shall shade them with My shade.”
[Reference: Sahih Muslim]
This beautiful quote speaks about the divine reward awaiting those who maintain friendships for the sake of Allah.
On Compassionate Friendship:
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
[Reference: Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]
This Hadith teaches the principle of empathy and selflessness in friendships, encouraging believers to treat friends with the same care and concern as they would themselves.
Encouraging Good Company:
“A man is upon the religion of his best friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends.”
[Reference: Sunan Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi]
Highlighting the importance of choosing friends who positively influence one’s faith and character.
On Loyal Friendship:
“Seven kinds of people will be sheltered under the shade of Allah on the Day of Judgment…One of them is two men who love each other for Allah’s sake, meeting for that and parting upon that.”
[Reference: Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]
This quote emphasizes the value and reward of friendships based on mutual love for Allah.
Friendship and Mutual Support:
“The believers, in their love, mercy, and kindness to one another are like a body: if any part of it is ill, the whole body shares its sleeplessness and fever.”
[Reference: Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]
This Hadith beautifully illustrates the idea of unity and mutual support among friends in the Islamic community.
Friendship in the Quran
The Quran addresses the concept of friendship in various verses. It emphasizes the importance of choosing friends who are righteous and beneficial for one’s faith and spiritual journey.
The Quran advises believers to be cautious in their selection of companions, as they can significantly influence one’s moral and ethical behavior. The idea is to foster friendships that lead to mutual upliftment and adherence to the righteous path, aligning with the principles and values taught in Islam.
These teachings guide Muslims to maintain relationships that are spiritually and morally supportive, guiding them towards goodness and away from harm.
One notable verse is from Surah Al-Furqan (25:27-29), which reflects on the Day of Judgment. It describes how wrongdoers will regret their choice of companions, who led them astray from the path of God. The verse emphasizes the importance of choosing friends who positively influence one’s faith and life choices. This is a reminder of the significant impact that friends can have on an individual’s spiritual journey and the importance of choosing companions wisely.
The Day that the wrong-doer will bite at his hands, he will say, “Oh! would that I had taken a (straight) path with the Messenger!
ويوم يعض الظالم على يديه يقول يا ليتني اتخذت مع الرسول سبيلا
Wa Yawma ya’adduz zaalimu ‘alaa yadaihi yaqoolu yaa laitanit takhaztu ma’ar Rasooli sabeelaa28 “Ah! woe is me! Would that I had never taken such a one for a friend!
يا ويلتى ليتني لم أتخذ فلانا خليلا
Yaa wailataa laitanee lam attakhiz fulaanan khaleelaa29 “He did lead me astray from the Message (of Allah) after it had come to me! Ah! the Evil One is but a traitor to man!”
لقد أضلني عن الذكر بعد إذ جاءني ۗ وكان الشيطان للإنسان خذولا
Laqad adallanee ‘aniz zikri ba’da iz jaaa’anee; wa kaanash Shaitaanu lil insaani khazoolaaSurah Furqaan
The Intercession of Friends
The concept of believers interceding for their companions in Jannah (Paradise) is found in authentic Islamic sources.
According to a Hadith recorded by Imam Bukhari and narrated by Abu Sa’id Al Khudri, there is a mention of believers in Paradise interceding for their companions who performed Salah (prayer), fasted, and did good deeds with them but found themselves in Jahannam (Hell) in the Hereafter.
This Hadith describes how these believers will ask Allah to allow them to take out of Jahannam anyone they find who has even a small amount of faith (Iman) in their hearts, starting from the weight of a dinar of Iman, then half a dinar, and finally an atom of Iman. This intercession is granted, and they are able to rescue those they recognize based on the levels of Iman they possessed.
Additionally, there are various types of intercession mentioned in Islamic teachings. This includes intercession for some people who have entered Hell so that they might be brought forth from it, as well as intercession for people who deserve Hell, preventing them from entering it.
There is also the intercession for raising the status of some believers in Paradise. The conditions for such intercession include that Allah must approve of the person for whom intercession is made, Allah must give permission to the intercessor to intercede, and Allah must approve of the intercessor.
These narrations highlight the importance of companionship in Islam and the profound impact of righteous friends and companions who not only share in acts of worship and good deeds in this world but also potentially benefit each other in the hereafter through intercession.
These quotes from Islamic sources not only provide guidance on choosing and being a good friend but also illustrate the spiritual and moral significance of friendship in Islam.
In weaving these messages and their meanings into the fabric of our lives, we are reminded of numerous facets of Islamic teachings on friendship.
We see the importance of choosing friends who guide us on the righteous path, the comfort that comes from a sincere and loyal friend in times of need, and the value of friendships rooted in the love for Allah Almighty.
RasoolAllah Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr’s Friendship
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Abu Bakr’s friendship stands as a timeless example. It teaches us about sacrifice, loyalty, and the strength that comes from having a true friend who cares. Their story, like droplets of water in a vast ocean, signifies the depth and purity of real friendships.
The friendship between Abu Bakr and Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is a profound example of loyalty, perseverance, and mutual support in Islamic history.
Their friendship, which spanned over 50 years, is filled with inspiring anecdotes that reflect their unshakeable bond and commitment to each other and to the spread of Islam.
One of the most touching examples of Abu Bakr’s loyalty to Prophet Muhammad is his response to the Prophet’s Night Journey.
After the Prophet’s miraculous night journey to Jerusalem and ascension to the heavens, there was widespread skepticism and ridicule among the people. When Abu Bakr was informed about the Prophet’s experience, he immediately believed and affirmed it without any doubt. His unquestioning belief in the Prophet’s account earned him the title of “As-Siddiq” (the verifier of truth), showcasing his unwavering faith and trust in his friend.
Another remarkable instance of their friendship is during the Hijra, the migration from Mecca to Medina.
Abu Bakr played a crucial role during this journey, standing by the Prophet’s side through the dangerous and challenging journey. Despite the risk of persecution and the presence of hostile tribes, Abu Bakr’s steadfast support and unwavering loyalty were crucial in helping the Prophet safely reach Medina.
This journey not only marked a significant turning point in Islamic history but also solidified the bond between Abu Bakr and the Prophet.
Even before Islam, Abu Bakr was known for his righteousness and kind-hearted nature. He was proactive in fighting against unjust practices of the time, such as the burial of baby girls alive, a common practice in pre-Islamic Arabia.
Abu Bakr would intervene to save these girls, providing for their care and upbringing, demonstrating his compassionate and humanitarian spirit.
Following the death of Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr’s leadership as the first Caliph was instrumental in guiding the Muslim community through a critical period of transition. His role as a leader was marked by wisdom, fairness, and compassion, reflecting the principles he had learned through his close association with the Prophet.
The friendship of Abu Bakr and Prophet Muhammad serves as a timeless example of true companionship, built on mutual respect, support, and trust, transcending differences and hardships. Their story is a powerful reminder of the strength of friendship in overcoming challenges and leaving a lasting impact on the world.
For more detailed accounts and insights into their remarkable friendship, you can visit About Islam and Islamic Brain.
As we reflect on these beautiful Islamic quotes and their profound meanings, we’re reminded that friendship in Islam is not just about sharing good times. It’s about being a source of guidance, real comfort, and support, helping each other tread the path of righteousness till Jannah (paradise).
It’s about being a true friend, and pushing each other to be the best that we can be for the sake of Allah.
These heartwarming quotes and stories from the Islamic tradition emphasize that one of the greatest thing in the creation of Allah is not found in the grandeur of life but in the bonds of friendship that guide us to be better servants of Allah. These relationships are the most valuable, not just in this life but also in the Hereafter.
So, let’s cherish and nurture these most precious relations, for they are indeed the best Islamic friendships.
Muhammad Ali’s Quote about Friendship
In more modern times, the boxer and famous Muslim Muhammad Ali also added a beautiful quote about the value of real friends, which we wanted to share…
Muhammad Ali beautifully captured the essence of friendship with his words
“Friendship is a priceless gift that cannot be bought nor sold, but its value is far greater than a mountain made of gold; for gold is cold & lifeless – it can neither see nor hear, in time of trouble its powerless to cheer — it has no ears to listen, no heart to understand, it cannot bring you comfort or reach out a helping hand.
So when you ask God for a gift, be thankful if He sends not diamonds, pearls, or riches but the love of real true friends”
May Allah bless us all with good friends, sincere friends, the most valuable relationships to see us through a difficult time, in the time of need and to share the joy with us during the good times.
More Islamic Quotes
We hope you enjoyed these quotes of Islamic friendship. Why not share this post with your best friends to let them know how much they are appreciated, and loved for the sake of Allah, or even pin our graphics to your Pinterest account.
We have more of the best Islamic quotes gathered for other themes below – so read and explore.
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- 150 Happy Eid Mubarak Prayer Wishes and Greetings
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