The Prophet's Scathing Rebuke for Bad Friends

Islam encourages Muslims to increase friendship with pious people because they can remind each other of goodness and keep away from wrongdoing. In several narrations, a pious friend can even provide intercession in the afterlife. Therefore a Muslim is asked to be careful in choosing friends. Islam guides that friendship should bring one nearer to Allah SWT and prevent from sin.

In the book Wasiyatul Musthafa, which contains the Prophet’s bequest to Sayyidina Ali bin Abi Talib and was compiled by Imam Asy-Sya’rani, there are described the traits of a bad friend: neglect of his comrade and a penchant for revealing secrets.

Yā ’Aliyyu, bi’sa ash-shadīqu alladzī yuqashshiru fī shadīqihi wa yufsyī sirrahu.

Transliteration: Yā ’Aliyyu, bi’sa ash-shadīqu alladzī yuqashshiru fī shadīqihi wa yufsyī sirrahu.

Meaning: “O Ali, the worst of friends is the one who neglects his friend and reveals his secret.”

In its explanation, neglect toward a friend concerns not only outward matters but inward matters as well. Outwardly, one does not care when his friend is experiencing hardship or basic needs. Inwardly, he allows his friend to fall into sin without ever reminding or guiding him toward good.

Additionally, a bad friend is described as someone who enjoys spreading a private matter, revealing secrets, and speaking ill of their own friend.

O Ali, for friendship there are signs: that he does not seek to surpass your wealth, that he is humble toward you, and he respects your honour.

Transliteration: Yā ’Aliyyu, lish-shadāqati ’alāmātun an yaj‘ala mālahu dūna mālika wa nafsahu dūna nafsika wa ’irdhahu dūna ’irdhika.

Meaning: “Wahai Ali, there are signs of friendship: that he does not seek to outstrip your wealth, that he is humble toward you, and that he honours your honour.”