قـالَ النّبِيّ صلي الله عليه و آله: اَلْجَليسُ الصّالِحُ خَيرٌ مِنَ الوَحْدَةِ وَ الْوَحْدَةُ خَيرٌ مِنْ جَليسِ السُّوءِ
[بحارالانوار، ج 74 ص 84].

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) said:
“Solitude is better than being in the company of a bad companion.”
(Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 74, p. 84)

Messages for Teenagers and Young Adults

Choosing Friends Wisely:

It is crucial for you to be mindful of the friends and companions you choose. Whether consciously or unconsciously, you are influenced by your companions, and your thoughts, actions, and behaviours will begin to resemble theirs. Evaluate your friends carefully, and surround yourself with those who have better morals and behaviours than you, so that their positive influence helps you become a better person.

Not Fearing Solitude:

If you are distanced from those who do not act or think righteously, don’t be upset. This separation is ultimately beneficial for you. Being alone is better than being in bad company, as harmful companions can lead you astray.

Messages for Parents

Monitoring Friendships:

As parents, you must not be indifferent to who your children befriend. Take care to gently and wisely observe who they are choosing as companions. Rather than dictating, empower your children with the tools to choose friends wisely, and trust their judgement when you see they are capable of making sound decisions.

Empowering Through Storytelling:

One of the best ways to educate your children about friendship is through storytelling—sharing real-life examples of friends who have either uplifted or ruined each other’s lives. Begin this training early, as children are more receptive to moral guidance and parental influence during their formative years.

Messages for Islamic Leaders and Cultural Centres

Teaching Criteria for Good Companionship:

Islamic leaders and cultural centres should provide education on the qualities of a good friend and companion to both parents and young people. By understanding these criteria, families can make more informed decisions about friendships and social circles.

Practical Guidance:

Offer practical workshops and discussions on how to assess the character of potential friends, as this helps both parents and youth to recognise beneficial companionships and avoid harmful ones.

Messages for Muslim Communities

Mutual Impact on Society:

Each of us impacts the destiny of others. Whether we are good or bad, our behaviour does not just affect us—it influences the entire community. We are all in the same boat called society, and our actions can either steer it towards good or sink it into harm. We must ensure that our influence on others is positive, not destructive.

Being Role Models:

Every interaction we have in our families and communities is an unconscious lesson. Let us strive to be good teachers for ourselves and others—teachers who encourage goodness, compassion, and mutual benefit rather than spreading negativity and harm. Together, we can foster a community where goodness prevails and each member uplifts the other.