Friendship in the Teachings of Ahl al-Bayt (pbut)
The United Nations observes 30 July as the International Day of Friendship, recognizing that friendship among peoples and cultures can promote peace, mutual understanding, solidarity, and reconciliation. The UN also highlights the important role of young people in building a culture of dialogue and cooperation.
Friendship is one of the most valuable blessings in human life. It shapes our character, influences our choices, and often affects the direction of our future. For this reason, the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (p) place great emphasis on choosing friends wisely and nurturing meaningful relationships. The Quran warns of the consequences of harmful companionship, “Woe to me! I wish I had not taken that person as a close friend” (25:28). At the same time, it describes righteous companionship as a divine blessing, “Whoever obeys God and the Messenger will be with those upon whom God has bestowed His favor: the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous. And how excellent are such companions!” (4:69)
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) emphasized the influence that friends have on one another, “A person follows the way of his close friend, so let each of you look carefully at whom he befriends” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 192, h. 12). Likewise, Imam Ali (p) highlighted both the value of friendship and the importance of preserving it, “The most incapable of people is the one who is unable to gain friends, and even more incapable is the one who loses those friends he has gained” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 278, h. 12). The Prophet (pbuh&hp) also described the qualities of a worthy companion, “The one whose presence reminds you of God, whose speech increases your knowledge, and whose actions remind you of the Hereafter” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 186, h.3).
These teachings remain deeply relevant today. Modern technology has made communication easier than ever before. Social media and digital platforms allow people to remain connected across vast distances. Yet virtual connection is not the same as genuine friendship. Many studies have found that feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and social isolation continue to rise among young people despite unprecedented levels of online interaction. Digital communication can enrich human relationships, but it cannot fully replace face-to-face friendships built on trust, empathy, shared experiences, and mutual care. For children and adolescents in particular, strong personal friendships play an essential role in emotional development, social learning, and mental well-being. Real friendships teach patience, compassion, responsibility, and the ability to navigate differences with respect.
The International Day of Friendship is therefore an opportunity not only to celebrate our friends but also to reflect on the quality of our relationships. Are our friendships helping us grow in wisdom, character, and faith? Are we investing sufficient time in meaningful human connections beyond screens and digital networks?
The teachings of Islam remind us that friendship is both a blessing and a responsibility. By cultivating sincere, ethical, and compassionate friendships, we strengthen not only our own lives but also our families, communities, and the wider human family.
May God bless us with righteous companions and enable us to be true friends to others.