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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Ahlul-Bayt; Ethical Role-Models Rights of Friends Merits of Friends Man has longed for making friendships so that he can obtain individuals supporting him, alleviating his troubles, and sharing in his sorrow and joy.

Amirul-Mu'minin (a) said: “Try to have as many as possible true friends, for they are the supplies in joy and the shelters in misfortunes[^1].” Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “A friend occupies a great position to the degree that even the inhabitants of Hell will seek his help before the relatives. In this regard, Allah, conveying the words of the inhabitants of Hell, says: ‘so, we have no intercessors, nor a true friend.

(26:100-1)’” A wise man said: “The true friends are the most favorable gain in this world. They are adornment in luxury, support in misfortune, and aid for acquiring good living and good deeds.” As a wise man was asked whether he prefers his brother or friend, he answered: “I prefer my brother when he is a friend of mine.” Reality of Friendship Some people may think that the true friend is the one who treats them courteously and bright-facedly, but if such one is tested, his falsity is proved.

Old and modern writers have gone on complaining about friends’ alienations in spite of the love that is born for them. This is because of: • The ignorance of the reality of friendship and the incapability of making distinction between the true and false friends, or • Most of the friends are characterized by common social weak points, such as changeableness and disloyalty. Amirul-Mu'minin (a) said: “There are two classes of friends: friends of confidence and friends of grimace.

The friends of confidence represent the hand, the wing, the family, and the wealth. Regarding your relation with the friends of confidence, you should offer your wealth and body to them, act with sincerity towards him who acts with sincerity towards them, antagonize him who antagonizes them, conceal their secrets and flaws, and publicize their nice qualities You should know that friends of confidence are as rare as red sulfur.

Friends of grimace are those from whom you can gain pleasure; therefore, you should not prevent them from gaining pleasure through you. Do not expect anything more from them. As long as they show you good humor and good wording, you must show them the same[^2].” Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “Friendship is nil unless its limits are kept. He who does not keep these limits should not be regarded as friend.