Hawzah News Agency- In a discussion on the qualities of a “wise friend,” the senior scholar explained that companionship shapes a person’s character, behavior, and spiritual direction. For this reason, he said, one must select friends who possess understanding and sound judgment.
Quoting the principle, “And beware of the companionship of one who will influence his opinion,” Ayatollah Javadi Amoli stated that whether one is a seminarian or a university student, the rule is the same: a friend must be wise, perceptive, and morally upright. He stressed that a person has no right to form close friendships with those who lack intelligence, understanding, memory, or emotional stability. Such individuals, he warned, may lead one into confusion, indifference, or spiritual weakness.
He added that general kindness is always encouraged in Islam, and Muslims should maintain cordial interactions with one another. However, when it comes to intimate companionship—the kind that shapes decisions, beliefs, and attitudes—a person must show care and discretion. A true friend should elevate one’s character, not diminish it.
Referring to another principle, “And beware of the companionship of one who is false in his opinion and denies his actions,” Ayatollah Javadi Amoli emphasized that there is no benefit in befriending someone whose knowledge is unsound, whose abilities are limited, or whose deeds are corrupt. Such a person, he said, cannot be a source of guidance, stability, or moral reinforcement.
He concluded with the well-known maxim: “Indeed, a companion is known by his companion.” A person’s character, values, and inner state become evident through the company he keeps. For this reason, selecting wise, righteous, and discerning friends is not merely a social preference—it is a spiritual necessity.
Ayatollah Javadi Amoli underscored that good companionship fortifies faith, sharpens intellect, and strengthens resolve, while harmful companions often lead to moral decline and confusion. Thus, he advised believers—especially young scholars and students—to build their social and spiritual lives upon the foundation of wisdom, virtue, and righteous friendship.
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