One day, the teacher entered the classroom and handed each student a blank sheet of paper, asking them to divide the paper into two halves by drawing a line. Then he said, “On the right side of the paper, write the good qualities of your best friend.” Everyone fell into thought. Each person searched their mind for the qualities of their best friend. Some wrote “good manners,” others wrote “honesty,” and so on.
Then the teacher said, “Now, on the left side of the paper, write the undesirable qualities of your best friend.” Everyone started writing. Some wrote reluctantly, while others wrote harshly about their friend’s flaws.
When everyone had finished writing, the teacher, with a smile on his face, said, “What you have written, both good and bad, is likely a reflection of your own qualities!”
Indeed, the character and qualities of our companions will undoubtedly influence us. This is why the great figures of religion and ethics have advised us to be careful when choosing our companions. Therefore, we should carefully assess others and their manners before selecting them as friends.
Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (peace be upon him) said to one of his sons in this regard:
“O my son! Do not form a brotherhood (friendship) with anyone until you know where they go and where they come from. When you know them well and approve of their behavior, then you can form a brotherhood with them…”[1]
Footnote:
[1] Tuhaf al-Uqool, Page 233