Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura

Friday Sermon

17 October 2025 / 25 Rabiulakhir 1447H

The Weight of Righteous Friendship

 

 

Zumratal mukminin rahimakumullah,

Let us increase our taqwa towards Allah s.w.t. by fulfilling all His commands and avoiding all His prohibitions. Let us surround ourselves with the pious servants of Allah, so that we may increase in piety and taqwa. May Allah s.w.t. protect every friendship which is righteous and pious, and reunite us in His Paradise. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

Dear blessed congregation,

Who are our close friends? And who deserves to be our close friends? Perhaps images of our colleagues, classmates, schoolmates or those who share the same interests with us and so on come to mind.

Would you believe me if I said that there are groups of people who are friends in this world, but will become enemies on the Day of Judgement? It’s as if we would regret having befriended them. Brothers, listen to what Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Az-Zukhruf, verse 67:

Which means: “On that day, some close friends will become enemies to one another, except for those whose friendship is based on taqwa (faith and righteous deeds).”

Truly, the matter of friendship, which we sometimes take lightly, has a profound impact on the life of a Muslim. In other words, good friends are those who emphasise taqwa and righteousness, who enjoy doing good, and who consistently encourage us to follow the same path.

Dear blessed Friday congregation,

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said which means: "A person follows the religion (way of life) of his close friend. So let each of you consider whom he befriends." (Narrated by Abu Dawud)

The Messenger of Allah s.a.w. showed a clear connection between friendship and a person's religious life. Our friendships and social circles can influence our practice of religion and the way we live our lives. I believe many of us understand this reality, so let us heed the reminder from today's sermon with open hearts. Taking lessons from the verse and hadith mentioned earlier, allow me to share three tips on friendship from an Islamic perspective:

Firstly: Recognising good and bad influence

We must ask ourselves: Does this friend bring us closer to Allah, or further away from Him? Yes, my brothers, this question is relevant to people of all ages, both the young and the more mature.

Today, friendships are also formed in the digital world through social media platforms and online communication groups (group chats) each carrying its own kind of influence. We must distance ourselves from influences that are sinful, such as spreading gossip or false information, or viewing sinful behaviour lightly. On the other hand, when we identify and acquaint ourselves with positive influences, we will be shaped by them. The Prophet s.a.w. likened a good friend to a perfume seller – we will inevitably catch the fragrance of their goodness.

Secondly: Becoming an Example of Righteous Friendship in Our Lives

In relation to this, we must sincerely ask ourselves: Are we a positive influence who encourages our friends to become righteous individuals? Or are we the reason they fall into sinful behaviour?

Dear brothers, just as we wish to be exposed to good influences, we too should strive to be a source of positivity in our friendships. Let us work together to be individuals who strengthen the faith of our friends through noble character, open-heartedness, empathy, listening without judgment, and offering support when our friends are tested or in need of help.

We give advice with wisdom and compassion. We are not just companions for casual talk and laughter, but also companions who motivate each other towards Paradise.

Thirdly: Join Environments That Nurture Righteous Friendship

We must seek out opportunities to build righteous friendships – connections that nurture the spiritual growth of a believer, whether through acts of worship, attending religious talks, and so on. These friendships also involve reminding us of our civic duties – such as participating in charitable or community volunteer activities, among others.

My dear brothers,

Surely, when we are surrounded by sincere companions who are striving together towards goodness, it becomes easier for us to remain steadfast in performing righteous deeds. At the same time, if any of our friends have made mistakes in the past and are beginning to show signs of wanting to change, let us help and support them. Guide them towards Allah’s mercy with excellence (ihsan), for the Prophet s.a.w. said: “Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward like the one who performs it.” (Narrated by Muslim)

Dear congregation,

Good friendship is not just about establishing relations with who we like, but about who helps us become a servant whom Allah loves and is pleased with. Let us strive to be friends who remind, not merely entertain; who advise one another, not those who bring each other down or pass judgment.

May every friendship we form in this world become an everlasting one. May Allah s.w.t. make us among those who befriend one another upon taqwa, who strengthen each other in goodness, and who attain His divine pleasure. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

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