We all have some friends and none amongst us can claim that he does not get along with anyone and therefore has no companions. But, we must keep in mind that our friends and their (akhlaq) behaviour have a significant impact on our lives.
For example take the case of a very hard-working and intelligent boy, who gets very good marks and is an outstanding student. Now this hard-working boy befriends another boy who is always playing and neglects his studies. Definitely over a period of time, the hard-working boy will also become like his careless friend. He will become very playful and ignore his studies. Gradually his marks will deteriorate and he will become weak in his studies.
It is for this reason that Islam emphasises befriending the studious who love (Islamic) knowledge, who are hard working, are honest and sincere and have good akhlaq. He respects the elders. He loves and respects his parents. He honours his teachers.
One should not befriend him who abuses, lies, harasses others, avoids hard-work, does not pray and fails repeatedly in his exams.
We must always remember that a man is known by the company he keeps.
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