ESL Blogs

There was a person in the holy Prophet; Muhammad's era (PBUH). His name was Uqbah bin abi Muait. He was a chief of Qurash tribe. He used to invite nobility of Makkah to the dinner after every expedition. Obviously, he would invite the holy Prophet (PBUH) frequently. Once he invited all of the chieftains of Makkah to dinner. When the dinner had been served, he asked them to eat. The holy Prophet (PBUH) did not start. On his inquiring, he said, '' I will not eat until you say that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah and I am His messenger.'' He said the same and the holy Prophet (PBUH) ate.

There was a close friend of Uqbah, named Ubai bin Khalaf, an arch enemy of the holy Prophet (PBUH). When he knew that he got furious and cross to Uqbah. He tried his best to defend him by stating that he had said that to please Muhammad (PBUH), so that he would have eaten. If he had left without having his dinner, that would have been shameful for him. Ubai did not accept his excuse and suggested him to spit on his face if he was right in his claim. Uqbah did the same. Allah the Almighty revealed this verse:

‘’Woe to me! Would that I had not taken so-and-so for my friend!’’ (Surah Al Furqan, Verse no: 28)

That means he will be remorseful of what he did in the world, when he will be inflicted with painful punishment in the hell fire. He will definitely say the aforesaid words.  

Qualities of True Friend

1. There is an English proverb, which says:

‘’A man is known by the company he keeps.’’

The holy Prophet (PBUH) said the same thing in some other way. He says:

‘’Every person is influenced by the faith and way of life of his friends. Therefore, one must be very mindful when selecting his friends.’’ (Bukhari)

1. One another quality of true friend is that he never leaves you in the lurch.  An English proverb is worth mentioning here:

‘’A friend in need is a friend indeed.’’

Otherwise you will find thousands of people shaking hands with you if you are rich. As English people say: ‘’ A full purse never lacks friends.’’

1. The holy Prophet (PBUH) mentioned three important characteristics of true friend. They are read:

‘’ The one who reminds you of Allah when you see him, and adds to your knowledge when he speaks, and reminds you of the Hereafter when he acts, (he is the true friend of yours.)’’ (Qurtabi)

1. Once the holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

‘’ Whenever you make friend ask his name and his father’s name, because if he is absent you will protect him, and if he is sick you will visit him, and if he dies you will be in his funeral.’’

So, we should all keep these guidelines for making friends especially online.