Are your friends worth it?

Does your friend fit these traits of a sincere, loving, and true friend?

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Does he help you become a better and productive person?

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It’s a mistaken belief that a ‘good friend likes you for what you are’. A sincere friend inspires you, either with words or actions, to improve your personality and situation.

In a beautiful analogy, the Prophet (saw) likened the company of a sincere friend to visiting a perfume seller. Every time you visit the perfume seller, you benefit from his shop: You get some perfume as a present, or you buy some from him or, at the least, you obtain a beautiful fragrance from his company. [Bukhari & Muslim]

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Is she like a mirror to you?

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The Prophet (saw) stated, “The believer is like a mirror to other believers (in truthfulness).” [Abu Dawud]. Like a mirror, your friend gives you an honest image. She forgives your mistakes, but does not hide or exaggerate your strengths and weaknesses.

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Do his manners and lifestyle remind you of Allaah?

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Once the Prophet (saw) was asked, “What person can be the best friend?” “He who helps you remember Allaah, and reminds you when you forget Him,” he counselled. The Prophet (saw) was further asked, “Who is the best among people?” He replied, “He who, when you look at him, you remember God”. Such a friend reflects qualities of love, mercy, honesty, service, patience, optimism, professionalism, and the entire lifestyle taught by Islaam.

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Does he love you solely for the sake of Allaah?

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The bonds we form at work, school and in the neighbourhood may whither over time if they are not built for the right reason. Friendship based on Islaamic principles is sincere and everlasting, since it is strengthened by a higher purpose and fervent faith.

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Do you feel comfortable and secure in her presence?

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If your friend’s company makes you feel guilty about the things you do and thoughts you share, you must question the benefit of this relationship. Consider the wise saying: “Being alone is better than having an evil companion and having a sincere companion is better than being alone.”

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If your friend does not like you for the beauty of your character, intelligence, morality, and sincerity, you deserve better!

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Source: "Cool or Fool: Choosing The Right Friends"