Remember! Company of evil people bears nothing but loss for this world and the Hereafter; because at times, evil company even destroys a person’s Iman. Usually, people do fear dangerous and poisonous animals, insects and such things as they will harm them but do not refrain from such company that destroys their Iman.

Hakeem-ul-Ummah, Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه states: ‘Refrain from a bad company as much as possible as it ruins this world as well as the Hereafter. And adopt a good company as it balances both, this world and the Hereafter. Company of a snake takes one’s life away, whereas the company of an evil friend destroys one’s Iman.’ (Mirat-ul-Manajeeh, vol. 6, pp. 591)

How does an evil company destroy one’s Iman? Let’s listen to an admonitory parable in this regard and try to refrain from evil company.

Bad company is a cause for the destruction of Iman

‘Allamah Muhammad Bin Ahmad Zahabi رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه has narrated: A person used to sit in the company of those who consumed alcohol. When the time of his death approached, someone persuaded him to recite the Kalimah. Upon this, he started uttering the following words: ‘You drink as well and make me drink too.’ He معاذاللّٰہ passed away without reciting the Kalimah. (When this is the consequence of the company of those who drink alcohol, then how harmful drinking alcohol itself would be!). A chess-player was persuaded to recite the Kalimah at the time of his death. He started uttering the following: ‘شاھَکَ’ [i.e. your king].’ After saying this, his soul departed his body.

(Kitab-ul-Kaba`ir, pp. 103, Summarised)

صَلَّى اللّٰهُ تَعَالٰى عَلٰى مُحَمَّد                      صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب

O devotees of Rasool! Develop a mind-set to stay in the company of good friends. Company of those who have correct beliefs. Company of those who possess fear of Allah Almighty. Company of those who are devotees of