The rights of friendship

Hazrat Umar bin Khattab (R.A) had a close Muslim friend. Their friendship was so close that he (R.A) considered him his brother. The friend, who lived in Syria, was very pious, intelligent and obedient. Whenever someone came from Syria, Hazrat Umar (R.A) would enquire about his friend's well-being.

Once, a man had just returned from Syria and as usual, Hazrat Umar (R.A) asked him how his friend was? The man replied, 'He is the devil's friend. How can he be considered your friend?' He (R.A) was astonished and asked how this could be? The man explained; 'His character has become lewd. He acts indecently and drinks alcohol.'

Hazrat Umar (R.A) heard this account and asked him to inform him when he would be returning to Syria, as he wanted to send his friend a letter through his hand. The letter, which the man passed on to the friend, read:

'This letter is from the servant of Allah (S.W.T) 'Umar ibn Khattab. Peace be upon you. I extol the praise of Allah (S.W.T) to you; there is none worthy of worship except Him. He is Most Forgiving, the Acceptor of forgiveness, and a Severe Agent of punishment and the most Independent. There is none worthy of worship, except Allah (S.W.T), and to Him is the return.'

When the friend received the letter he acknowledged its contents and accepted the advice of Hazrat Umar (R.A). He cried endlessly, repented to Allah (S.W.T) and reverted to his previous character.

Moral:

In such a situation, the correct reaction would be to become closer to the friend than before. If for some reason, he has fallen into the devil's trap, then we should try to relieve him of his wrongful thoughts and doings. In the best possible manner, we should advise him; explain the difference between good and evil. Our sincerity and hard work will undoubtedly bear fruit and our friend will disembark from the wrong path.

If despite our efforts the friend is not willing to change, we will at least be free of responsibility. We should then break ties, so we can protect ourselves from evil traits.