Imam Ash-Shafi on friends

A friend who does not benefit at the time of hardships,
Is close to an enemy on the scales,
The friend does not remain, during all times,
Nor does the brother, except for consolation.
I searched the days, with all my strengths
for a brother to trust, but my search was fruitless,
The lands and those who live them were barren,
As though its people were not people [I wanted them to be]
“I love those who are pious but Alas! I am not from amongst them
Maybe Allaah will bestow upon me (due to my love for them) Piety”