Dear Islamic brothers! This shows that there is nothing but benefit in having good company. At the same time, bad company brings utter ruin to one’s worldly life and faith. Bad company has the potential to completely destroy a person’s faith. People generally fear and avoid deadly, poisonous, and terrifying creatures, animals, and dangerous places. Yet, regretfully, they find it extremely difficult to detach themselves from harmful and destructive bad company.

Bad company distracts one from acts of worship. We are usually careful and thoughtful when making important decisions in life, but when choosing friends, we often fail to consider whether this friendship will be beneficial or not. Before forming friendships, we must reflect carefully, or face regret in future.

The Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم declared:

اَلْمَرْءُ عَلیٰ دِينِ خَلِیْلِہٖ فَلْيَنْظُرْ اَحَدُكُمْ مَنْ يُخَالِطُ

A person follows the religion of their friend. Each of you should consider whom they mix with."^[1]

Mufti Aḥmad Yār Khān رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه said:

Before forming a friendship with someone, evaluate whether they are obedient to Allah and His Messenger صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم.

 Allah commands in the Quran:

وَ کُوْنُوْا مَعَ  الصّٰدِقِیْنَ )۱۱۹(

And be with the truthful.^[2]