Lessons learnt from this Hadith: 1. A Muslim should choose his friends carefully. 2. Always check the habits of your friends. 3. If they have any bad habits do not become their friends. 4. Always choose good and pious friends. 5. Always help your friends in need.

Story 'Uqbah bin Abi Mu'eet was one of the leaders in Makkah Mukarramah. It was his habit to invite all the noble people of Makkah to a meal whenever he returned from a journey. He used to meet Rasulullah J quite often and also invite him to these meals.

Once, during one of these meals, he presented the food to Rasulullah J. Rasulullah J said, "I cannot eat your food until you say that Allah  is One and I am His Messenger." 'Uqbah read the kalimah and Rasulullah J then ate the food. Ubayy bin Khalaf was a close friend of 'Uqbah. When he heard that 'Uqbah read the kalimah and accepted Islaam, he became very angry.

'Uqbah tried to explain to him that Rasulullah J was a very noble person and if he did not eat the food, 'Uqbah would be disgraced. So, to please Rasulullah J and to encourage him to eat the food, he read the kalimah. Ubayy did not believe him and said, "If you are true in what you are saying, go and spit in the face of Rasulullah J.“ (Na'oozubillah)

'Uqbah listened to his friend and went and spat in the face of Rasulullah J. Allah  disgraced both of them in this world and they will be punished severely in the Aakhirah. This is the end result of evil company.

Activity Write a short essay about your friend.

Happy Land for Islamic Teachings Material taken from the book “Tasheelul Ahaadeeth wal Akhlaaq