Suhbat-e-Saaliheen

Suhbat-e-Saaliheen means to remain in the company of pious people. This has a very good effect on the character of a person. That is why Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) advised us to be careful before befriending someone. We should always look for those who have Deen and good character because a person tends to inculcate the character of people with whom he is more intimate and gets along better. In the same way, it is very important for a person to have a Sheikh or a spiritual guide if he really wants to rectify his shortcomings. Deen is not acquired merely by reading books. We may acquire Deen formally but the true Deen is acquired by being in the Suhbat of a Sheikh-e-Kamil. Without this, it is practically impossible.

 [English version of "Souhbat-e-Saliheen" – Al Jamiat – Vol.5 No.3]