Be Choosy

Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “A man follows his friend’s religion. So each of you should consider whom he makes his friend.” [Mishkat Al-Masabih]

There is a principle according to which you are said to become like the people with whom you associate.
 
Be amiable with all but very choosy about whom you befriend. Slowly and gradually the way you talk, what you talk about, the way you dress, the way you behave, what you eat, how you spend your time, all end up becoming like that of the company you keep.

If you befriend somebody who doesn’t pray regularly, eventually you will start missing prayers too. If your friends like to eat out at expensive restaurants you will start spending more money eating out too. If your friends mock bearded Muslims or women in Hijab you will end up participating in their sins.

On the Day of Judgement you will be raised with those whom you loved. May it never happen that we are grouped with those people who are to be thrown into the Fire.