Be with the Truthful — The Obligatory Companionship
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وَكُونُواْ مَعَ ٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ
— التوبة 119
Verse: "O you who believe, fear Allah and be with the truthful." (9:119)
"Be with the truthful": A command for righteous companionship — companionship is not a social luxury but a religious obligation. "A man is on the religion of his companion, so let each one look at whom he befriends."
"The truthful": Not just those who don't lie — but those truthful in faith, deeds, and ethics. The truthful person is complete with no split between appearance and reality.
Lesson: Choosing companions is also an obligation toward one's children — whoever doesn't choose his children's companions has failed them.
Source: Ibn Kathir (4/236); Al-Sadi; Al-Qurtubi (8/287)
Question: Why is choosing righteous companions a religious obligation not merely a social preference?
Answer: Because "a man is on the religion of his companion" — companionship shapes religion and character. The command to be with the truthful is an explicit divine command.