International Friendship Day: Compassion in Action

They say that blood is thicker than water, but isn’t water the elixir of life that nurtures and helps us to grow? Have you ever wondered about that relationship which like water, refreshes and sustains us?  

Just as water is essential for physical survival and is adaptable, taking the shape of any container and flowing around obstacles, a true friendship is one that is resilient to changing circumstances, offering support through the difficulties of life and symbolising purity and truth that only deepens over time.

This International Friendship Day, here at Penny Appeal, we believe that friendships go beyond having a confidante who imparts the best advice or who we could spend good time with. It is in fact a powerful force that can bring peace across communities, and even nations.

 History shows us how division has caused immense suffering through poverty, violence, human rights abuses, to name a few. All of which have long disrupted the peace, security, development, and solidarity that is needed to create a world of great equality. Promoting a spirit of human solidarity through friendship ensures we support each other. Imagine if we stood on each other’s shoulders, not to trample, but to lift humanity higher.

Let us appreciate the beauty of friendship through the lens of Islam and assess how we can develop strong ties of trust through camaraderie with communities suffering unimaginable plight. Weaving a safety net will protect them from harm and enable a better world united in happiness and despair.

Islamic literature is replete with examples of camaraderie between the created and the Creator as seen in the lives of Prophets who experienced close companionship, direct communications, and deep spiritual connection with Allah (s.w.t) because of their indescribable humility and impeccable servitude. 

For example, Prophet Ibrahim (a.s) has been referred to as “Khalil Allah” (the Friend of Allah) in the Qur’an:
"And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth? And Allah took Abraham as an intimate friend." (Quran 4:125)

Similarly, Prophet Jesus (Isa) is known as Ruh Allah (Spirit of Allah) signifying the special nature of his creation and his closeness to Allah (s.w.t).

In another instance, Prophet Musa (a.s) is known for his direct conversations with Allah (s.w.t) earning him the title of Kalim Allah (One Who Spoke to Allah) while our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who enjoys a special status through his proximity to Allah (s.w.t) is often addressed as “Habib Allah” (Beloved of Allah) owing to his role as a mercy to all creations.

These examples highlight friendships based on honesty, humility, and unconditional love. We are reminded of this beautiful blessing by many ahadith which helps us embrace these values in our communities, like this beautiful hadith:
"None of you will have faith until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 2, Hadith 13)

At Penny Appeal, we are driven by this spirit to support and uplift humanity. We believe charity begins at home and work tirelessly to support those struggling despite their best efforts. From feeding the homeless and helping refugees to supporting domestic abuse victims and caring for the elderly, we are committed to providing relief to those in need. Penny Appeal at Home distributes hot meals, blankets, and aid year-round. To learn more about our work, visit our website.

When we look up to the ultimate inspiration to humankind till eternity, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) he has advised, "The believers, in their mutual love, mercy, and compassion, are like a single body: if one part feels pain, the whole body responds with wakefulness and fever." (Sahih Muslim, Book 32, Hadith 6258). 

Let us all unite to become ambassadors of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) teachings of mercy and compassion to those around us and the ones far away through our generosity in donations. Help others to experience the beauty and joy of meaningful friendship in this world and find your name among the close circle of the Prophet (ﷺ) in the hereafter, Insha’Allah!