Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "A man follows the religion (i.e. ways and manners) of his close friend. So, each of you should carefully consider whom he takes as his intimate friend." Good hadith - Narrated by Abu Daoud & At-Termedhy & Ahmad
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Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) pointed out that a person resembles his close friend and companion in his ways and habits, and friendship affects morals, manners, and behaviors. Therefore, he instructed us to choose our friends carefully, as a friend guides his friend to Imān (faith), guidance, and goodness, and helps him in this regard.

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Benefits from the Hadith

  • The Hadīth enjoins us to befriend good people and choose them carefully and prohibits us from taking wicked people as friends.
  • He specifically mentioned the friend and not the relative because a person chooses his friends, but has no choice concerning his brothers and relatives.
  • A person should think well before taking anyone as a friend.
  • A person’s religious commitment is strengthened by accompanying the believers and is weakened by accompanying sinners.