The first story from the Surah Al-Kahf (in ayat 9 to 25) narrates about a group of young men who chose to disassociate themselves from the idol-worshipping practices of their people.
But here’s the interesting part: they didn’t know each other. They were not friends prior to that. It was their principles that brought them together.
As ibn Kathir points out in his Tafsir:
“None of them knew the others, but they were brought together by the One Who instilled faith in their hearts..
When the people went out to attend this gathering, these young men went out with their fathers and their people, and when they saw their people's actions with clear insight, they realized that the prostrations and sacrifices the people were offering to their idols should only be dedicated to Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth.
Each of them started to withdraw from his people and keep aloof from them. The first one of them to move away on his own went and sat in the shade of a tree, then another came and sat with him, then another came and sat with them, then four more followed suit one by one.” (End quote)
They were brought together and united by a common cause. This is as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said,
الأَرْوَاحُ جُنُودٌ مُجَنَّدَةٌ فَمَا تَعَارَفَ مِنْهَا ائْتَلَفَ وَمَا تَنَاكَرَ مِنْهَا اخْتَلَفَ
“Souls are like recruited soldiers. Those that recognize one another will come together,
and those that do not recognize one another will turn away from each other” (Muslim)
Once they found their peer group, they stuck together and sought refuge in the cave where they found strength in each other to adhere to their principles and collaborate in righteousness, free from the oppression of their people.
An important life lesson for us to actively seek out communities who serve our greater purpose.
And chuck away those who don't.
#YouAreTheSumofYourBestFriends #Peers #LessonsFromAlKahf #SurahAlKahf #Friday
#TheBarakahEffect
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