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AlGhazalisIhya-Book_of_Companionship_and_Fellowship, page : 4
distinguished nature and character for, which you desire his friendship.
What is derived from friendship are religious and worldly benefits: as to the
worldly benefits, it may be to benefit from his wealth or his influence, or just to
have the benefit of his companionship and nearness.
As for the religious benefit, there are various aspects, from these is the benefit of
knowledge and deeds, also the use of influence to be protected from the harm of
those who cast doubt in the hearts and hinder worship. And of these is the
benefit of wealth to save the time spent in making a living, and to have
assistance in times of hardship and difficulty, there is the benefit to be blessed by
the prayers offered for your sake, as well as the expectation of intercession in the
Hereafter, as some of the first Muslims have said: “Make more friends because
for every believer there is an intercession, and you may be included in the
intercession of your friend.” These are all benefits and each of them holds
conditions, which are not gained except through them, as we explain. There are
five conditions, which qualify the one who you choose as a friend:
He must be sound of mind, of good manner, not wicked nor one who invents in
What is derived from friendship are religious and worldly benefits: as to the
worldly benefits, it may be to benefit from his wealth or his influence, or just to
have the benefit of his companionship and nearness.
As for the religious benefit, there are various aspects, from these is the benefit of
knowledge and deeds, also the use of influence to be protected from the harm of
those who cast doubt in the hearts and hinder worship. And of these is the
benefit of wealth to save the time spent in making a living, and to have
assistance in times of hardship and difficulty, there is the benefit to be blessed by
the prayers offered for your sake, as well as the expectation of intercession in the
Hereafter, as some of the first Muslims have said: “Make more friends because
for every believer there is an intercession, and you may be included in the
intercession of your friend.” These are all benefits and each of them holds
conditions, which are not gained except through them, as we explain. There are
five conditions, which qualify the one who you choose as a friend:
He must be sound of mind, of good manner, not wicked nor one who invents in