Choose friends who strengthen your faith
“A man is upon the religion of his close friend.”
Because people inevitably absorb the values of those around them, Muslims should deliberately choose righteous company and build supportive environments for themselves and their families.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- The Prophet prioritized poor, devoted companions over elite status, demonstrating the value of righteous company.
- Human beings absorb the influence of their surroundings, and the Quran depicts regret over choosing a corrupt friend.
- Hadiths explain that close friends shape one's religion and compare beneficial and harmful company to a perfume seller and blacksmith.
- Modern screens, schools, workplaces, games, and online personalities extend this influence and can expose children and adults to harmful values.
- The Quran commands believers to remain with truthful people, while righteous writings and lectures can provide beneficial influence through technology.
- Families should facilitate righteous relationships, pray for good companions, and seek people who remind them of Allah, increase knowledge, and orient them toward the afterlife.
In the khateeb's words
“A man is upon the religion of his close friend.”
“We have got to learn to make dua to Allah that, "Oh Allah, bless us with righteous company for ourselves, for our spouses, for our children."”
“The one whose actions remind you of the hereafter. His actions remind you that this world is temporary.”
For the dinner table
We all become like the company we keep, because people absorb the values around them. Good company is not about wealth or status; it is about people whose hearts, words, and actions turn us toward Allah. That influence now comes through phones, shows, games, schools, workplaces, and online personalities as well as face-to-face friends. Parents and children need to build righteous circles and reduce harmful influences, because lectures alone may not overcome peer pressure. We can ask Allah for companions who remind us of Him, increase our knowledge, and help us remember the lasting life of the Hereafter.
- What is one influence in your life that helps you remember Allah?
- What kind of friend do you want to become for other people?
- What is one online influence our family should spend less or more time with?
More on Community & unity
There is no such thing as a nobody.19:44Masjid Fulton · Sacramento, CA · Oct 10, 2026No one should feel forgotten
The question is how do we disagree without destroying our relationships and our communities?14:27Al-Misbah Islamic Centre · Toronto, ON · Oct 3, 2026How to disagree without hostility
ICNYC · Greenwich Village, NY · Sep 26, 2026True faith serves people and Allah“We have a comprehensive and holistic understanding of this deen that goes beyond just benefiting ourselves to benefiting humanity at large.”