Friend or Foe? The Effects of Company Part 2 of 2 Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 17th February 2023 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester Video: https://youtu.be/MFSoFxJdO4g This talk emphasizes the profound impact that friends and companions have on an individual’s faith, behaviour, and overall character. Drawing upon various aḥādīth and Qur'anic verses, it illustrates the idea that a person is influenced by their companions—"a man is upon the Deen of his friend." Good company not only uplifts one's spirituality but also enhances knowledge and concerns for righteousness, whereas bad company can corrupt their moral standing, leading to adverse influences and negative thoughts about virtuous individuals and principles. Throughout the talk, the speaker discusses the concept of solitude over harmful associations, drawing parallels with the stories of prophets and righteous figures who distanced themselves from unvirtuous peers. By conveying the dangers of hypocritical friendships, the importance of pious company, and urging listeners to seek Allah’s guidance for better companionship, the speaker concludes with a focus on the ultimate consequences in the afterlife—reinforcing the message that the company we choose in this life significantly determines our fate in the hereafter. Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk: - The Impact of good & bad company - Ibrahim a.s moving away from his people - Avoiding the company of the ignorant - The people of the cave (Aṣḥāb al-kahf) - The couplet of Imam Malik ibn Dinar - Choosing your company in the akhirah - The prophets praying for good company - Solitude is worship ********************************************************************** Website: www.akacademy.org YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/alkawtharacademy Facebook: www.facebook.com/alkawtharacademy X: https://x.com/alkawthar Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alkawtharacademy **********************************************************************