Question:

Assalaamu ‘alaikum

Respected ‘Ulama

I have a friend who I have been close with for many years. As we entered our teenage years, she began to change and got influenced to do wrong. I try my best to advise her but she doesn’t listen, and tries to involve me in sin as well. I fear to end our friendship because we have been close for so long and our families know each other very well.

How should I deal with this situation and save myself from falling into sin?

Jazakallah

Answer:

Bismihi Ta‘ala

Wa ‘alaikumus salaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuh

Respected Sister

1. Companionship is extremely critical. It will either make or break a person. Often a person is good in himself, but the company he adopts spoils him and causes him to do the worst of wrongs. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: “A person is on the creed of his friend. Therefore, be cautious of who you befriend.” (Sunan Abi Dawood #4833) Hence, the greatest concern is to ensure that one’s Deen is not broken.

2. Limit your association with her. Make excuses and refrain from being in her company. However, be cordial when you meet her. If you are together with many others due to which her negative influence may be restricted, it may be fine.

3. Continue advising her in a good way to give up her wrong habits and adopt a life of taqwa. Send her some short articles that may inspire her or some short clips from bayaans of ‘Ulama (you may find some on our website). Do not overwhelm her. Send something small every 3 or 4 days.

May Allah Ta‘ala keep you firm on Deen and guide your friend as well.

Answered by:

Uswatul Muslimah Panel of ‘Ulama