:salamext:
This is such an important topic.
The company we keep, has important impacts on ones own character formation....and has the potential to influence our imaans either positively, or negatively.
The old sayings: 'We are the company we keep' or 'Birds of a feather, flock together' - are indeed true.
Islam warns us against joining those whose hearts are not attached to Allah and His nabi (sallalahu alaihi wasalam), and tells us repeatedly to keep in the company of the pious.
Allahu ta ‘ala says:
And keep thy soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face; and let not thine eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this Life; nor obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect Our Dhikr [remembrance], one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds. (Suratul Kahf, 28th Ayah.)
Muslim :: Book 32 : Hadith 6361
Abu Musa reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying:
The similitude of good company and that of bad company is that of the owner of musk and of the one (iron-smith) blowing bellows, and the owner of musk would either offer you free of charge or you would buy it from him or you would. smell its pleasant odour, and so far as one who blows the. bellows is concerned, he would either burn your clothes or you shall have to smell its repugnant smell.
i.e. In the same manner that entering a musk shop (i.e keeping in the company of the pious) will leave an impression on you, so too does the company of those with bad character.
Ask yourself:
What do you stand to benefit from joining such people, who lack imaan, live their lives according to their whims and desires, whose sense of morality stems from their own common sense principles, rather than divine order?
If our goal is the Aakhirah, then EVERYTHING we do in this dunya, should be directed in strengthening our taqwa.....not weakening it.
And to those who believe that their own aqeedah is strong enough, that you are safe from falling into a manner of life that is far removed from Islam - do realise, that your imaan is an amaanat - a trust.
And the one who neglects this trust, can just as easily lose it.
"......Whoever feels that they are not in need of Allaah to safeguard his religion even for the blinking of an eye then He will take it from him."
(Sufyaan al-Thawree)
I am not saying that we should not speak to others, because they do not share our beliefs.
Yes - be kind, friendly and polite to everyone.
And if they ask you about Islam - do engage them, and take the opportunity for dawah.
But, do keep your distance.....as tempting and appealing their way of life may be.
At the end of the day - you have to work on YOUR imaan......it is YOU that will be accountable for your actions on Qiyamat.
Your first and foremost priority is YOU.
For the sake of friendship ......it is not worth risking and weakening your own imaan in the process.
And also, do realise: before we can even speak about trying to change OTHERS.....we have a lot of work to be done on OURSELVES first.
Salaam
