Posted: Jul 23, 08 9:21am

From

Lantern of the Path

by Abu Abdillah al-Imam Ja'far ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq

(translation by Fadlallah Haeri) Ansaryan Publications

Page 24 Social Interactions

Courteous social relations with Allah (SWT)'s creation while avoiding all acts of disobedience to Him is a sign of Allah (SWT)'s excessive generosity with His bondsmen. Whoever is sincere and humble before Allah (SWT) in his innermost being will have good social interaction externally.

Keep company with people for the sake of Allah (SWT) and do not keep company merely for your own share of worldly affairs, for seeking rank, showing off, or for reputation. Do not fall below the limits of the shar'iah for the sake of social intercourse, such as trying to keep up with others, or gaining a reputation, for these things cannot make up for you , and you will miss the next world, with no recourse. Treat someone who is older than you as you would your father, someone who is younger than you as you would a son. Treat your peer as you would a brother. Do not abandon what you know to be certain within yourself for something heard from other people which you doubt. Be gentle when you enjoin good, and compassionate when you forbid evil.

Never abandon good counsel in any circumstance. As Allah (SWT) said, 'Speak to men good words.' (Qur'an Surah 2 Ayat 83)