July 30- International Day of Friendship: A Reflection on Divine Bonds and the Responsibility of Choosing Companions

In a world plagued by war, genocide, intolerance, and hateful speech, the call to compassion, friendship, and mercy toward all of God’s creation, humans, animals, and nature, has become more urgent than ever.

On this International Day of Friendship, we bow in gratitude for one of God’s great blessings: companionship. Friendship is among the most beautiful manifestations of His love and mercy, between humans and even with all living beings. When built on sincerity, truth, and love, every bond radiates Divine light.

The Holy Quran speaks of faith-based brotherhood among believers as a blessing from God: “And you became, by His favor, brothers” [3:103]. This is not merely social closeness—it is a bond rooted in faith, loyalty, and Divine purpose.

Likewise, the Quran describes the love between spouses as a sign and gift from God: “And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy” [30:21].

In Islam, friendship is more than an emotional connection, it is a spiritual trust. While kindness should be extended to all of creation, we are taught to be extremely cautious in choosing close companions, for they accompany us on the path of life and faith.

The Quran presents a scene of deep regret on the Day of Judgment: “Woe to me! I wish I had not taken that person as a friend. He led me away from the reminder after it had come to me” [25:28–29]. This powerful verse reveals that a bad friend can lead you astray even after you were guided. Friendship can shape your eternal destiny.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) said, “A person is upon the religion of his close friend, so let each of you consider carefully whom he befriends” [al-Amali of Shaykh al-Tusi, vol. 2, p. 132; also cited in Biḥar al-Anwar, vol. 71, p. 192].

Imam Ali (p) taught: “Your true friend is the one who restrains you, and your enemy is the one who lures you into sin” [Ghurar al-Ḥikam, hadith 10430]. And a sincere friend, Imam Jafar al-Ṣadiq (p) said, is one who doesn’t flatter blindly, but corrects with love: “The most beloved of my brothers is the one who gives me the gift of pointing out my flaws” [al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 639].

True friendship is a mirror that removes the rust of heedlessness from the soul. On this day, let us pray for righteous companions, strive to be one ourselves, and extend mercy to all of God’s creation, while remaining wise and deliberate in choosing those we allow to shape our hearts.