Last Friday in a khutba by the Imam at a local Masjid, I was again reminded of the importance of good company and how Allah in His infinite wisdom has asked us to stay away from bad company and enjoy good company not only for this world but for hereafter. This is specially so true for parents because we as parents sometimes do not think about our own company but only focus on our children. Right from the start, if we provide our kids a good company of friends to play with, we will automatically allow them to learn and appreciate it as well. In Surah Al-Kahf Verse 28-28 – Allah says “And keep thy soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face; and let not thine eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this Life; no obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect the remembrance of Us, one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds” In Surah Al-Furqan Verse 28-29 – Allah Says that in the hereafter/day of judgement man will say “Ah! woe is me! Would that I had never taken such a one for a friend!. He did lead me astray from the Message (of Allah) after it had come to me! Ah! the Evil One is but a traitor to man!” - clearly man is at a loss and will regret bad company in the hereafter. Our Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said “A person is on the religious ways of their close friends,”.. “So let each of you be careful about whom you take as close companions.” and since religion is naseeha and guidance for us, we must make sure that our company is that of pious and good people. At one point he (saw) was reportedly asked: “Which of our companions are best?” He (saw) replied: “One whose appearance reminds you of God, and whose speech increases you in knowledge, and whose actions remind you of the hereafter.” Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (ra) reported: The Prophet (saw) said, “Keep only a believer for a companion and let only a pious eat your food”. [At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud]. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (ra) reported: I heard the Prophet (saw) saying, “The similitude of good company and that of bad company is that of the owner of musk and of the one blowing the bellows. The owner of musk would either offer you some free of charge, or you would buy it from him, or you smell its pleasant fragrance; and as for the one who blows the bellows (i.e., the blacksmith), he either burns your clothes or you smell a repugnant smell”. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. These are some of the reasons why we need to give good company to our kids by keeping a good company of friends and family. The single worst place where our kids learn from is through their peer pressure – at school and then through family/friends. We need to ensure that we give our kids the best environments to play and learn in. We need to find pious people and hang around in their company, learn from them, respect them and serve them. Question: So what to do when you are in an awkward situation when you know that the dinner you are invited to will have company that may influence your children negatively or send mixed signals? It is a tough situation because the person inviting you may be your good friend or family? I think it is a tough decision, because inevitably the children will see discrepancies as they are growing up outside the house either at your family or friends,or at school So there might be two different paths either politely decline or make an excuse so your host does not feel bad, or accept the invitation and teach/educate your children through experience. They may ask many questions if they see discrepancy in what they have been taught and what they see but that is a discussion that you need to have with your children on a regular basis. However we must make sure that the balance of good pious company is heavier Saying this, I do not mean to emphasize that we become self righteous and condone and blacklist others. This will in fact be a greater sin. We must always seek protection from riya (boasting and pride). The message I want to convey is the importance of good company, and that we must try to find good company to replace the bad. Our kids can only learn from goodness. At the same time it becomes incumbent on us that we also give naseeha to those whom we love and have as our friends so that they can benefit from us and we from them. Sincerely, Ahmed Nizami, Chief Editor Muslim Parents Network Team.