Friendship is one of the greatest blessings in life, but it can also come with challenges. The good news? Islam has already given us the best guidance on how to build strong, beautiful, and lasting friendships. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the ultimate role model when it came to treating friends with kindness, loyalty, and wisdom.
Let’s dive into six common friendship mistakes and the powerful lessons from the Sunnah to fix them!
1. Talking Behind Your Friend’s Back
The Mistake: Gossiping, venting, or sharing personal details about a friend behind their back, even if you don’t mean harm.
The Solution: The Prophet (PBUH) strictly warned against backbiting. He said:
“Do you know what backbiting is?” They said: ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ He said: ‘It is to say something about your brother that he dislikes.’” (Muslim 2589)
Instead of gossiping, make dua for your friend, speak good about them, and if there’s an issue, talk to them directly, not behind their back!
2. Expecting Too Much Without Giving in Return
The Mistake: Feeling disappointed when a friend doesn’t call, check on you, or do as much as you do for them.
The Solution: The Prophet (PBUH) taught us that true friendship isn’t about keeping score, but about loving for the sake of Allah. He said:
“None of you will have faith until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Instead of expecting too much, be the friend you wish to have. Give without expecting, and trust that Allah will reward your sincerity.
3. Holding Grudges Over Small Things
The Mistake: Staying upset with a friend over small misunderstandings and refusing to let go.
The Solution: Forgiveness is key! The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“It is not permissible for a Muslim to forsake his brother for more than three days.” (Bukhari 6077)
Life is too short to stay mad! If a friend upsets you, address the issue, forgive, and move on.
4. Being Jealous Instead of Supportive
The Mistake: Feeling envious when a friend gets something you want, whether it’s success, beauty, or attention.
The Solution: Replace jealousy with love! The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Do not envy one another, do not inflate prices for one another, do not hate one another, do not turn away from one another, and do not undercut one another in trade, but be, O slaves of Allah, brothers.” (Muslim 2564)
Instead of feeling bad, make dua for your friend’s success and trust that Allah has the best plans for YOU too!
5. Not Being Honest in Friendships
The Mistake: Saying things just to please your friend, hiding your true feelings, or pretending to be someone you’re not.
The Solution: Honesty is a sign of true friendship. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“A true believer is a mirror to his brother.” (Abu Dawood 4918)
Be the kind of friend who tells the truth with kindness. If your friend is making a mistake, advise them gently. If something is bothering you, express it respectfully.
6. Choosing the Wrong Friends
The Mistake: Staying in friendships that push you away from Islam or fill your heart with negativity.
The Solution: Choose friends who remind you of Allah! The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“A person is upon the religion of his close friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends.” (Abu Dawood 4833)
Find friends who bring out the best in you, who remind you to pray, support you in tough times, and help you grow in faith.
Final Thought: Who’s Ready to Be a Sunnah-Following Friend?
Friendships can be tricky, but by following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), you can build relationships that are full of love, sincerity, and barakah!
Which of these tips will you try first? Share in the comments below!