Who are introduced as true friends in the Quran?

In the rich and comprehensive teachings of the Holy Quran, the concept of friendship and 'wilayah' (meaning guardianship, alliance, and support) holds special significance. The Quran explicitly guides believers on whom to choose as their true friends and genuine allies, and whom to avoid. These guidelines not only shape our social relationships but also profoundly influence the depth of our faith and the overall direction of our lives. The central pivot of these friendships is faith in God and striving on the path of truth. Firstly, the Quran introduces Allah Himself as the ultimate Guardian and true Friend of believers. This concept is beautifully articulated in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 257: “Allah is the Protector of those who believe; He brings them out from darkness into light.” This verse demonstrates that the most rooted and enduring friendship is with the Creator and the Absolute Guardian of existence. This friendship signifies complete trust in Divine providence, reliance on Him in all matters, and moving within the framework of His satisfaction. One who considers Allah their true friend will never feel lonely and will find infinite support beside them in the face of life's challenges and difficulties. Following Allah, His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the true believers are introduced as the 'Awliya' and real friends of the faithful. Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 55 states: “Your ally is none but Allah and [therefore] His Messenger and those who have believed — those who establish prayer and give zakah, and they bow [in worship].” This verse explicitly declares that the circle of friendship and 'wilayah' includes Allah, His Prophet, and righteous believers. These believers are those who are not only committed to prayer and zakat but are also in complete humility and submission to God's command. Friendship with such individuals is a friendship that contributes to one's spiritual and moral growth. The Quran further elaborates on the characteristics of believers that make them worthy of mutual friendship and support. In Surah At-Tawbah, verse 71, we read: “The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those – Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.” This verse highlights the practical and ethical dimensions of true friendship. True friends in the Quran are those who: 1. Invite each other to good and deter from evil (enjoining good and forbidding wrong). This is the most crucial characteristic of a true friend – someone who wishes you well, even if their advice is difficult to hear. 2. Adhere to the principles of religion, such as prayer and zakat, which indicates the depth of their faith and social responsibility. 3. Obey Allah and His Messenger. These individuals are friends who guide you towards God and divine values, not towards sin and corruption. Friendship with such people is an investment in both worldly and otherworldly success. Conversely, the Quran strongly prohibits taking disbelievers, polytheists, hypocrites, transgressors, and oppressors as friends and allies. These prohibitions are not based on racism or bigotry but on a profound conflict of goals and values. Someone whose heart is devoid of faith or who is an enemy of God and truth cannot be a true friend to a believer, as they will ultimately prioritize their own interests over those of the believers and may act to the detriment of their faith and beliefs. Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 51, warns: “O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are [in fact] allies of one another. And whoever of you takes them as allies - indeed, he is one of them. Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” These verses clearly define the boundary between constructive and destructive friendships. This does not mean avoiding interaction or treating them poorly, but rather refraining from entrusting one's destiny, deep confidence, and alliance in the path of life with those who have objectives contrary to divine ones. The Quran also warns about the consequences of choosing bad friends. In Surah Al-Furqan, verse 28, it states: “And the Day the wrongdoer will bite on his hands [in regret] he will say, 'Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way. Oh, woe to me! I wish I had not taken so-and-so as a friend.' ” This verse paints a painful picture of eternal regret on the Day of Judgment, where an individual repents for choosing a misguided friend and deviating from the path of truth. This is a strong warning to believers to exercise utmost care in choosing their friends, as our friends significantly influence our beliefs, actions, and destiny. Therefore, from the Quranic perspective, true friends are those who, firstly, are loyal to Allah, His Messenger, and true believers. Secondly, they possess moral and practical characteristics such as enjoining good and forbidding evil, adhering to religious obligations, and obeying divine commands. Such friendships not only bring peace and growth in this world but also guarantee success and salvation in the hereafter. Choosing friends based on piety, sincerity, and commitment to divine values is one of the most crucial recommendations of the Quran for building a spiritual and fruitful life. These friendships are like strong and blessed bonds that assist a person on the path of servitude to God and guide them towards perfection. The ultimate goal of the Quran in clarifying this concept is to guide humanity towards relationships that bring them closer to God and keep them away from deviation. These types of friendships form the foundation of a healthy society adhering to ethical and spiritual principles, a society whose members strive for each other's good and prevent deviations.