Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari, may God be pleased with him, reported that the prophet, , said:
“The example of a good companion and a bad one is the bearer of musk and the worker on the bellows. A bearer of musk would give you some, you might buy some from him, or you might enjoy the fragrance of his musk. The worker on the bellows, on the other hand, might spoil your clothes with sparks from his bellows, or you may feel bad smell from him.†(Transmitted by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, this version being Muslim’s )
Highlights of the Tradition
Man cannot do without friends. He always seeks meeting with companions and enjoys their company. But it is crucial that one should be very selective in choosing a companion, as his influence on one’s behavior, good or bad, is immense.
In the above tradition, the Messenger, , uses an effective example to bring to the hearer’s conception the impact of good company and bad company.
A good companion is compared to a musk seller or a perfume seller. A perfume seller might give you some of his fragrance, and a good companion might give you some good advice or a useful tip. A perfume seller can be useful by selling you some of his musk, and a good friend can be useful by responding readily to your demand for help in any matter, mundane or religious.
At the very least, a musk seller is nice to have around even without being beneficial in any practical way, as the pleasant smell emanating from his direction is a pleasure in itself. Similarly, a good companion is at least useful to you for your good name and the pleasure of good company. Just to feel his presence improves your spirits.
In contrast, a bad companion is comparable to a worker on the bellows. If you come close to the bellows, sparks might hit your clothing and make holes on it. Even at some distance, you will feel the stench of burnt iron. Your only hope is in keeping quite out of the reach of the horrid smell. And it is the same way with a bad companion. If you are close to him and identify with him, you will take over some of his perversity, and your character will be harmed, just as your clothes will be spoiled if you come too close to a worker on the bellows. If you remain safe from the influence of a bad companion, you cannot escape people’s talk about you for consorting with bad company. You cannot even be sure that you will not be adversely affected by such a person in the long run. To remain within reach of a wild beast is sure to have it spring one day.
The following verses from the Holy Qur’an may drive the idea home:
“And incline not to those who do wrong, or the fire will seize youâ€Â
“Therefore shun those who turn away from Our message and desire nothing but the life of this world.â€Â
In another place, the Qur’an directs a believer to seek the company of the wellguided:
“And keep thy soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening seeking His faceâ€Â
The following tradition, on the authority of Abu Hurairah, also corroborates the same concept:
“Man models himself after his companion; so let each one of you see who he chooses for comapnion.†(Transmitted by Al-Tirmithi)
Points to Remember:
1. A believer is urged to associate with the well – guided, the pious and the learned; and to shun the company of the misguided, the sinful and the depraved.
2. A companion has an exceeding influence, because one adopts many of his ways. His favorable influence is like the spread of fragrance, and his bad influence is like sparks that may hit one.
3. The Prophet used effective comparisons from everyday experience to drive ideas home.
By: Anas Ahmed Karazon
From: The Prophet’s Tradition
