- Visit Masajid Daily
Men visit the Masjid several times a day. They tend to pray with the same people on a daily basis for extended periods of time; they also get to observe the congregation and know their habits, behaviors, likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses. The local Masjid is a fertile ground to seek righteous companionship. The Imam is often someone who has studied the Deen for many years; befriending him is important to one’s development.
- Do Good Deeds Collectively
People cooperate with each other to carry out good deeds in the society. Good works come in a whole spectrum of initiatives, whether it is in building a Masjid, drilling a well, financing an ambulance, setting up a soup kitchen, or standing up against injustice. People who share a vision and are motivated to spend resources to improve society are certainly the ones you should associate with. Perhaps the best work is doing Dawah, and there are ample opportunities to learn from and teach your Dawah companions. Similarly, I have observed that those with whom one performs Umrah and Hajj become lifelong friends. How often does it happen that one meets such an individual in the city’s Masjid and shares memories about the spiritual journey undertook together!
- Seek Religious Knowledge in Groups
The status of a scholar is much higher than that of a worshipper. Those who teach and learn religious knowledge together develop deep bonds of brotherhood. Their interest in knowledge for Allah’s (swt) sake attests to their piety. They strive to develop good characters and manners. Who would not like to be in such a company?
- Get Married for the Deen
We spend most of our life with our immediate family so it is vital to ensure that they are righteous. Marrying a righteous spouse and having good in-laws is critical in order to enjoy a beneficial lifelong companionship. When we have children, we focus on their proper Tarbiyah (upbringing). Establishing a daily family study circle becomes a source of blessings for a home. It makes it a visiting place for angels and a nurturing ground for righteousness. Such a home can be a virtual Masjid. By inviting good people to it, one strengthens bonds with righteous family friends.
- Socialize Through your Parents and Progeny
After reaching a certain age, parents become like friends to their children. They genuinely wish the best for their progeny and know them inside out, so they can be a good source of counsel and companionship. Similarly, righteous friends of one’s parents, who had beneficial impact on your upbringing, can be a source of wisdom and advice. Just like we should befriend our parents, we should become the best friends of our children and in turn seek good company for them. Their Islamic school friends can be ours as well. Other parents who enroll their children in Islamic schools have similar goals and concerns to ours; they can be excellent companions. Lastly, our children’s teachers have the best interest in mind for our families. Their companionship is equally valuable.
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