In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Friendship that abides in purity and sealed with modesty is a unique relationship qualified for those who have mutual love for the sake of Allah. It is a relationship build on Islamic standards of purity and modesty which can protect us from being deceived and destroyed slowly by the poisonous arrow that can ruin our dignity as true muslims. It is also a relationship which makes us aware of our limits as a believer when we interact with someone who is non-mahram , avoiding fitnah and closing the doors that lead to fornication of the eyes, ears, tongue, heart. Moreover,it is a friendship that will be rewarded by Allah. However to reach the stage of pure love only for the sake of Allah is difficult. Only few people can attain such a friendship, that is why Allah rewards them highly for their good deed .
Mu`adh (bin Jabal) (radhiallahu 'anhu ) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said, "Allah, the Exalted, has said: `For those who love one another for the sake of My Glory, there will be seats of light (on the Day of Resurrection), and they will be envied by the Prophets and martyrs". [Tirmidhi]
Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu 'anhu ) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said, "On the day of resurrection, Allah, the Exalted, will say, ‘Where are those who have mutual love for the sake of My Glory? Today I shall shelter them in My shade when there will be no shade except Mine." [Reported by Muslim]
Friendship for the sake of Allah abides in purity as it is based upon a sincere purpose for seeking the pleasure of Allah which brings about the love of Allah for the slave. Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu 'anhu ) narrated that Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said, 'A man went to visit a brother of his in another village. Allah sent an Angel to wait for him on the road. When the man came, the Angel asked him, 'Where do you intend to go?' He said, 'I am going to visit a brother of mine who lives in this village.' The Angel asked, 'Have you done him any favor (for which you are now seeking repayment)?' He said, 'No, I just love him for the sake of Allah.' The Angel told him, 'I am a messenger to you from Allah, sent to tell you that He (Allah) Loves you as you love your brother for His sake.' [Saheeh Muslim]
Friendship for the sake of Allah which is sealed with hayaa’ (modesty) will be protected by Allah as Allah loves hayaa’.
" Surely Allah (is One who) has hayaa’ and is the Protector. He loves hayaa’ and people who cover each others faults."(Bukhari)
Hayaa’ is one of the characteristics of Islam so as believers we should have the quality in us.
"Every way of life has a innate character. The character of Islam is hayaa’." Or "Every Deen has an innate character. The character of Islam is modesty (hayaa’)." (Abu Dawood)
Hayaa’ brings goodness as beloved Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Hayaa’ does not bring anything except good." (Bukhari)
Hayaa’ is a very clear indication of our Iman. As the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) had mentioned to the Ansar who was condemning is brother about being shy: "Leave him, for Hayaa’ is (a part) of Faith." (Bukhari)
And hayaa’ leads us to PARADISE. As the Prophet ( sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam )told us: "Hayaa’ comes from Iman; Iman leads to Paradise. Obscenity comes from antipathy; and antipathy leads to the fire." (Bukhari)
Let us try to attain a pure friendship sealed with modesty for the sake of Allah by keep seeking Allah’s guidance through our daily prayers.
“When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me: let them also, with a will, listen to My call, and believe in Me: that they may walk in the right way”. ( Translation of Surah : Al-Baqarah 2:186)
The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Hayaa’ and trustworthiness will be the first to go from this world; therefore keep asking Allah for them." (Baihaqi)
Wallahualam bi shawab
