8 Intentions for Building Friendships for the Sake of Allah Ta’ala

Shaykh Yusuf Bhikhoo hafidhahullah

(To be read before spending time with friends, choosing friends, or teaching about Islamic friendship)

1. O My Allah Ta’aala, only YOU are giving me the Tawfeeq (ability) to spend time with my friend(s). The outcome of this Amal (action) is in YOUR hands alone.

2. O My Allah Ta’aala, I am doing this Amal of being with my friend(s) to fulfill YOUR command and to follow the Sunnah of Nabi Muhammad ﷺ.

Allah SWT says in the Quran Shareef:
“Close friends on that Day (Day of Qiyaamah) will be enemies to one another  except those who had Taqwa.”

 Reflect on Sunan related to friendship:
• Loving for your brother what you love for yourself
• Speaking good or keeping silent
• Giving advice with sincerity
• Making du‘a for your friend in their absence

3.Think of the rewards promised by Allah Ta’ala and Nabi Muhammad ﷺ:

Hadith:
“Allah Ta’ala says: My love is guaranteed for those who love each other for My sake, sit together for My sake, visit each other for My sake, and spend on each other for My sake.” Musnad Ahmad

• Shade under the Arsh of Allah for two friends who loved each other for His sake
• The friendship continues in Jannah
• Angels make du‘a for those who love each other for Allah
• The heart is filled with Noor and peace
• Friendships based on Allah never break, even after death

O My Allah Ta’aala, please grant me all the rewards mentioned in the Qur’an and Ahaadith for sincere friendships made for YOUR sake.

4. O My Allah Ta’aala, in this action of spending time with my friend(s), YOU are hearing me, seeing me, YOU know what’s in my heart, and YOU are always with me.
This is achieved when doing Dhikr and Du‘aa with Dhiyaan (concentration).

5. O My Allah Ta’aala, I am weak. I am not worthy of being a good friend, but those who are sincere and loyal friends are YOUR accepted servants.
Through their acceptance, please accept me and make me a source of goodness for others.

6. O My Allah Ta’aala, I am doing this Amal of being a good friend and loving for Your sake only for YOUR pleasure. Please grant me the ability to please YOU, and save me from any friendships that bring Your anger.

7. O My Allah Ta’aala, please accept this Amal of building sincere friendships, and make it a means of Hidaayah (guidance) for myself, my friends, and for all of humanity until Qiyaamah.

8. After spending time with friends, say:
“O My Allah Ta’aala, I make shukur to YOU for giving me the Tawfeeq to build and strengthen this friendship for YOUR sake.”
Then say Istighfaar:
“O Allah, forgive me for any shortcomings in this Amal.”