The preacher of the Grand Mosque: Choosing a good friend is a gain for this world and the hereafter
During his Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Imam and preacher Sheikh Dr. Osama bin Abdullah Khayyat emphasized that nurturing and preserving the youth of the Muslim community is the cornerstone and most impactful factor in safeguarding society and elevating its progress. These directives emanate from the pulpit of the Grand Mosque, the foremost platform for Islamic guidance, where the echoes of these sermons resonate throughout the Muslim world, guiding it towards the noble moral values that ensure the stability of societies.
The importance of integrated care for children
His Eminence explained that nurturing young people is one of the strongest motivators for winning hearts and minds, noting that education is not limited to academic instruction alone, but extends to instilling sound beliefs and cultivating virtuous character. He emphasized the necessity of instilling good habits and guiding them with proper conduct in social interactions, reflecting a profound understanding of the educational role in safeguarding the intellectual and social security of nations.
The impact of friendship on personality formation
In his discussion of friendship , the preacher of the Grand Mosque pointed out that a companion has a profound and lasting impact on his friend. Friendship is not merely a fleeting relationship, but a bond that influences behavior and beliefs. Therefore, it is wise to be cautious in this matter and to delay bestowing affection until one is certain of the friend's faith and character. He cited the Prophet Muhammad's saying, "A person is influenced by the religion of his close friend, so let each of you consider whom you befriend," explaining that human nature tends to imitate, and one quickly acquires the traits of those around him, whether good or bad.
The difference between a good companion and a bad companion
Dr. Al-Khayyat elaborated on the comparison between two types of companions, emphasizing that their influence extends beyond this life to the hereafter:
- The good companion: He is the one who leads his companion to virtue and makes obedience appealing to him. He is the righteous friend whose company brings joy to the soul, and through whom the outcome and the end result are improved.
- The bad companion: He is the one who beautifies the ugly and makes the bad words and deeds seem good. He is a source of misery and regret at a time when regret is of no use, as this friendship and affection will turn into enmity on the Day of Resurrection.
His Eminence concluded the sermon with a clear call to parents, educators, and young people to choose their friends wisely, ensuring that their friendships are purely for the sake of God Almighty, free from worldly interests and fleeting desires, so that they may flourish within the embrace of faith and bear fruit in this life and the hereafter. This call is of paramount importance in our time, as the challenges of cultural openness and the influence of social media have increased, making "righteous companionship" a safeguard for preserving the identity and values of young people.
