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Tuesday 9 September 2014

Strangers to Friends

"Why did you do all this for me?" he asked.
"I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you."
"You have been my friend," replied Charlotte.
"That in itself is a tremendous thing."
-E.B. White

Having friends is one of the important elements in life. Here are several ways, I believe, can turn strangers to friends for this life and the next.

1) Smile a sincere smile
It is that simple. A smile goes a long way. Ever heard of this phrase before, 'A smile can turn someone else's day a bit brighter', and it's true, it does. A smile is a message saying you are someone approachable, you are being friendly. To add an extra point to that, it is Rasullullah SAW sunnah. So smile a lot but not creepily.

2) Show you really care
In general, people like knowing that someone is caring for them. It makes them feel special and appreciated. So, show that you care and not just making friendly conversation. Listen to their words, which bring me to next point.

3) Be a good listener
Sometimes, people don't need comfort words. They just need to let out what is inside their hearts.

4) Know your audience
Find out their hobbies and interests, then talk about it with them. If you share the same hobbies that's a bonus point. If not, then show that you are open to new things. Ask them to explain, people shine brighter when they talk about something they love.

5) Have a good sense of humor
This doesn't mean you have to crack jokes all the time. Even laughing at someone else's jokes is considered to have a good sense of humor, but not too much and don't do it forcefully. That would just kill the whole thing.

6) Watch your words
The things we say to others, they stay. Though people forget after period of times, the feelings remain. Trust me! So, be extra careful.

7) Small gifts
It shows your appreciation toward others. Be it just a sentence of saying, 'I am glad I have you as my friend,' or cook something nice to share with them at lunch. It doesn't have to be something expensive.

8) Admit your mistakes
We are all human. We make mistakes at times, admit your mistakes if you know you are wrong. Saying sorry doesn't low your standards, in fact it shows how mature and intelligent you are. In addition to that, it even raises your status in the eyes of Allah.

9) Choose your close friends wisely
It has been proven that close friends have greater influence to ourselves. They are our own reflections. Be with those who bring out the best of you and stay with you when you are having your bad days. So, choose your close friends wisely BUT don't be picky.

10) Don't judge/ be open-minded
People can sense it if they are being judged. The so-called sixth sense, it does exist and EVERYONE has it, regardless of its strength. Not everyone has the same background as us. Some may have it rough and some may have it smooth. So, be open minded and don't judge too quickly. The fact that they are still breathing another day is a sign of ALLAH's love for them. So, one way to strengthen our love for ALLAH is show mercy to His creations. Remember, ALLAH won't have mercy to those who don't have mercy towards His creations.

11) Make du'a (pray)
Make du'a for your friends. People pray for themselves and for their beloved ones but often they forget about their friends. Make du'a, it does give a different impact. You will see that your friends will love you even more and care so much for you. Make du'a for them, because when it is your turn to return back to ALLAH, these friends of yours will be the Jema'ah for your Jenazah prayer.

'May ALLAH love and forgive my friends, show endless mercy to them and may all of us reunite back in the highest level of His Jannah.'

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