The Sunnah of Keeping Good Company

In the essence of our faith, we emphasize keeping the company of productive and righteous individuals. Allah advises us to associate with those who are steadfast in their devotion, calling upon Him night and day. Their resilience and dedication can be a source of inspiration and patience for us.

To illustrate this, let me share a story.

It's about a young man, beloved by the Prophet (saw), who, from the age of 10 to 13, was always by the Prophet's (saw) side.

He rode with him, shadowed him, and even slept in his home.

The passing of the Prophet (saw) was a traumatic event for this young man, but his heart and vision remained focused on seeking Allah’s pleasure.

After the death of the Prophet (saws), when everyone returned to Medina, Ibn Abbas, then only 13 years old, saw an opportunity.

He told his friend, "All the companions of the Prophet (saw) are here in Medina. Let's go and learn from them. Let's hear their Hadith and gain knowledge from their experiences."

However, his friend chose to play and relax instead.

Ibn Abbas, undeterred, spent his time at the doorsteps of the Prophet's (saw) companions, eagerly collecting Hadith and absorbing their knowledge.

This dedication led him to become a fountain of knowledge, eventually turning his house into the first Islamic university.

Years later, the same friend, still engrossed in trivial pursuits, recognized the wisdom in Ibn Abbas's actions.

He realized that Ibn Abbas had chosen the better path, seeking knowledge and companionship with goal-oriented and productive people.

This story teaches us the value of keeping the company of people who are not just righteous but also productive and goal-oriented.

Such associations push us toward truth, encourage us to do good, and steer us away from evil.

In this journey of life, where we can easily be led astray, surrounding ourselves with people who are committed to their faith and goals can be our anchor, guiding us towards success in this world and the hereafter.

We all lead lives swirling in an ever-moving tide of events, but we are – in essence – all in loss, except for those who inspire, support, and propel one another towards the truth.

Invest in relationships that empower us and instill the desire to seek knowledge, truth, and virtue.

Let's be, in every sense, the company of the productive, the resilient, and the righteous, inspiring and ushering each other to Allah’s divine pleasure.