Connecting with sisters :)

Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him put a strong emphasis into surrounding ourselves with good companionship. He did not distinguish people based upon socioeconomic factors, race, ethnicity nor religion. Having different opinions, lifestyles and interests makes the friendship more interesting.

Did you know that our Beloved Prophet peace be upon him interacted with non-muslims?

​When Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him travelled with his uncle Abu Talib, he had several meetings with Christians.

​Muhammad peace be upon him also interacted with Waraqa ibn Nawfal, a relative of his beloved wife Khadija may Allah have mercy upon her. As a Christian, he supported our Beloved Prophet peace be upon him sincerely and encouraged him to continue his call to Islam.

​Another example is the interaction between the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him and the Abyssinian king, Negus who agreed to accept Muslims living in Makkah who are escaping the torture of Quraish. Moreover, our beloved Prophet peace be upon him lives in Madinah and had several jews as neighbours. This signifies the ethical and moral conduct of our Beloved Prophet peace be upon him.

However, it is about having a fine balance. It is important to choose your friends carefully as we can be easily influenced by their qualities and mannerisms and so we should consider who our friends are.

Our Beloved Prophet peace and blessings be upon him said:

​'The example of a good companion (friend) in comparison with a bad one is like that of one who sells musk and the blacksmith.  From the first, you would either buy musk or enjoy its good smell, while from the blacksmith you would either get burned or smell a bad scent.' [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

This indicates we should befriend who hold the same aim and beliefs - worshipping Allah subhanahu wa taala and perform good deeds to reach our ultimate vocation - Islam. For Allah subhanahu wa taala says in the Glorious Quran:

“And (remember) the Day when the wrong-doer (oppressor, polytheist etc.) will bite on his hand, he will say: ‘Oh!  Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger.  Ah!  Woe to me!  Would that I had never taken so-and-so as a friend!  He indeed led me astray from the Reminder (the Quran) after it had come to me.’” [25:27].

Amongst the qualities of a good companionship is the one who loves and forgives you for the sake of Allah. Supports you. Corrects your faults. We should seek and maintain friendships who will call us to do good, forbid us from doing evil and help us succeed in the afterlife.

Prophet peace and blessings be upon him said:

​'The example of the believers, in their mutual love and mercy for one another is like the example of one body, if one part feels pain, then all of the body suffers in sleeplessness and fever.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim]

​How we connect with other sisters should be for our mutual love of Allah subhanahu wa taala and His messenger peace be upon him.

Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:
“A person visited his brother in another town and God sent an angel to wait for him on his way.  The angel said, “Where do you intend to go?”  the man answered, “I intend to go to my brother in this town.” The angel said, “Have you done any favour to him, the repayment of which you intend to get?” He said: “No, I love him for the sake of God, the Exalted and Glorious.” Thereupon the angel said, “I am a messenger to you from God to inform you that God loves you as you love him.” [Sahih Muslim]

​Isn't it wonderful in how we should connect with our sisters? Islam is a way of life, we need to respect each other. We form part of a large community and it is our responsibility to strive to be the best person we can be.  We should seek good companions and maintain good, productive relationships. This will increase our level of productiveness and be successful. Allah subhanahu wa taala says:

“Content yourself with those who pray to their Lord morning and evening, seeking His approval, and do not let your eyes turn away from them out of desire for the attractions of this worldly life, and do not yield to those whose hearts We have made heedless of Our remembrance, those who follow their own low desires, those whose ways are unbridled.” [18:28]

​What are ways in which we can connect with sisters?

​1) Social Network
Allah subhanahu wa taala has blessed me with the opportunity to meet many lovely sisters around the UK as well as worldwide. We share one aim and that is to please Allah. They ask for me and see how I am and likewise. We support each other. I don't know how to describe this feeling, but I am truly grateful for meeting them. Some I have similar interests, others we have not much common at all :)

Join a sisters Facebook group and start from there!  :)

​2) Join an organization and volunteer with them
By working together for one goal strengthens bonds.

3) Join a club or sports team
You don't have to be good at a particular sport to join, as that will take practice and time. As long as you enjoy yourself and support your team players.

​Here are some tips:

​Smile then start a conversation :) Introduce yourself, exchange contacts and meet for another get together  for a lunch or coffee.

​What you shouldn't do, is pressure one to be friends with you. have your self-respect.

​Once you start spending time with potential friends, reveal your good qualities. Be loyal. Be a good listener. Be trustworthy. Support and encourage them for something good.

​Once you make friends, you need to maintain friendship, by striving to stay in contact.

​Build up your self-esteem. Each and everyone of us deserves to have a sister to connect with :)