If you are searching for a perfect Muslim friend, you may end up without any friend at all. Every believer makes mistakes. Perfection belongs only to Allah.
Even the best of people after the Prophets were not flawless. The companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ were human, they erred, they learned, they repented, being sincere and humble before Allah.
Allah reminds us in the Quran,
“The believers are brothers in faith, so make peace between your brothers, and fear Allah in all your affairs, in the hope that you will be shown mercy.” (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:10)
Translated Verse from Arabic to English
Brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam are built on mercy, patience, and sincere advice, not unrealistic expectations. If we demanded perfection from others while we ourselves fall short daily, we would live in constant disappointment.
A strong friendship for the sake of Allah includes three important qualities,
• Forgiveness – Overlook small mistakes, Not every fault needs confrontation
• Sincere Advice (Naseehah) – Correct gently and privately, with wisdom and compassion
• Patience – People learn at different levels. Allow room for improvement
The Prophet ﷺ taught us that the believer is like a mirror to another believer, reflecting faults honestly but without humiliation.
If a friend slips, help them stand. If they forget, remind them. If they fall into sin, advise them without exposing them. And if they repent, never bring up their past again.
Not all companionship is equal. Some friendships strengthen your iman, while others slowly weaken it.
Ask yourself...
Does this person remind me of prayer (salat)?
Do I feel closer to Allah when I am around them?
Do they encourage modesty, good character, and sincerity?
Do they speak about beneficial knowledge?
The Prophet ﷺ compared good companionship to the seller of musk,
even if you do not buy from him, you still leave with a pleasant scent. But bad companionship is like the blacksmith’s furnace, either your clothes get burned, or you leave with a foul smell.
Choose those who benefit you not only in business, laughter, or status, but those who benefit your soul.
Because on the Day of Judgment, Allah warns,
“Close friends, that Day, will be enemies to each other, except for the righteous.” (Surah Az-Zukhruf 43:67)
Translated Verse from Arabic to English
Only friendships built upon righteousness will survive the Hereafter.
Above all companionship is the companionship of Allah.
Allah says:
“Allah is the Ally (Wali) of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into the light…” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:257)
Translated Verse from Arabic to English
When Allah becomes your Wali, your Protector, Guardian, and Close Ally, you gain a support system no one can break in this life and on the day of judgement.
People may disappoint you. Friends may change. Marriage relationships may fade.
But Allah never abandons the one who turns to Him sincerely.
Build your strongest relationship with Allah, Lord of the Heavens & Earth & Everything in Between,
Speak to The Most Merciful (Ar-Rahman) in prayer
Remember The Creator (Al-Khaliq) in private
Trust The Bestower (Al-Wahhab) in hardship
Thank The Constant Provider (Ar-Razzaq) in ease
Repent to The Great Forgiver (Al-Ghaffar) after every mistake
When you keep yourself close to Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful), you will be shown mercy. When you rely upon Him, you will never truly be alone, even if the whole world turns away from you.
Before searching for righteous friends, strive to become one.
Be the person who,
• Encourages others to pray
• Speaks gently
• Forgives easily
• Avoids gossip
• Defends the honor of others
• Reminds people of Allah with wisdom
This world is temporary. Friendships based on entertainment, trends, or status fade quickly. But friendships built on faith travel beyond the grave.
On the Day when wealth and status will not benefit anyone, a righteous friend may say,
“O Allah, my friend used to remind me of You, have mercy upon him as he helped me remember You.”
سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك أشهد ان لا اله الا انت استغفرك وأتوب اليك