1) Young Muslims - The Message

(And it also belongs to) those who came after them, and who pray:“Lord, forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in faith,and do not put in our hearts any rancor towards those who believe.Lord, You are the Most Tender, the Most Compassionate.” (Sura alHashr 59:10)Selecting FriendsRasul (pbuh) said: The likeness of a good companion and a bad oneis that of the one who carries musk and the one who works thebellows. As for the one who carries musk, either he will give yousome or you will buy some from him, or you will notice a nice smellfrom him. And as for the one who works the bellows, either he willburn your clothes or you will notice an unpleasant smell from him.(Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)Character and behavior of one’s friends speak about the characterand behavior of that particular person. Friends exert great influenceon each individual –“peer pressure” is a reality in life and suchpressure can make a person good or bad. So it is essential that aMuslim should select friends very carefully. Let us cite someexamples (or standards) that should guide a Muslim (both male andfemale):1. A friend should be Islamic-minded, know something aboutIslam, should be eager to know more about Islam. Should berespectful to Islam. Should respect friendship.2. He/she should preferably be a Namazi (Musalli), i.e., in thehabit of saying 5 times daily salat regularly.3. Neat and clean. Dress, body, hands, mouth free from badsmells. Well-dressed, well behaved.4. A non-smoker, non-alcoholic, not a club-goer.5. Not in the habit of using abusive, vulgar language, telling lies,swearing, gambling, frequently asking for loans, etc.Young Muslims, What they should know about Islam Page - 62