When My Best Friend Cut Me Off After I Embraced Islam

 

When My Best Friend Walked Away After I Became a Muslim

I had a best friend in college. He was a musician who played at weddings, and back then, I was a wedding photographer. Sometimes, we’d find ourselves working the same events, capturing love stories from different angles—him through music, me through a camera lens.

We were both self-supporting students, pushing through life’s struggles, balancing school, work, and dreams. 

Even though we studied at different universities, our bond was strong. We weren’t just friends; we were each other’s support system. Late-night talks, shared frustrations, and dreams of a better future kept us connected.

But life took a turn after graduation. When he found out I had embraced Islam, he simply walked away. No confrontation, no explanation—just silence.

At first, I thought maybe he needed time to process it. 

But days turned into weeks, then months, then years. I reached out, but there was no response. It hurt. Losing a friend like that felt like losing a part of my own history. I missed him, I missed our conversations, and I missed the unwavering support we once had for each other.

Reflection: What I Lost vs. What I Gained

With time, I realized something profound—what I lost was painful, but what I gained was far greater.

Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:

وَعَسَىٰ أَن تَكْرَهُوا۟ شَيْـًۭٔا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌۭ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰ أَن تُحِبُّوا۟ شَيْـًۭٔا وَهُوَ شَرٌّۭ لَّكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

“It may be that you dislike something while it is good for you, and it may be that you love something while it is bad for you. Allah knows, while you do not know.” — (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:216)

At first, I questioned why this happened. But then, I looked at what Allah replaced it with—better friendships, stronger relationships, and a deeper connection with my faith. The people He placed in my life were those who supported me not just in this world, but for the next.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever gives up something for the sake of Allah, He will replace it with something better.” (Ahmad 22565, authenticated by Al-Albani)

Islam didn’t just fill the void—it transformed me. It taught me that friendships built on faith are the ones that truly last. That some people are only meant to be with us for a season. 

And when they leave, it’s because their chapter in our story has ended.

I still think about my old friend from time to time. I still wish him well. But I no longer hold onto the sadness of losing him. Because now, I understand—when Allah takes something away, He always gives back something far greater.

Though I lost a dear friend, Allah replaced him with the best friendships I could ever imagine. After embracing Islam, I found a new circle of friends whose bonds were rooted in faith and sincerity. 

📣Read: Finding Brotherhood in Islam: My Experience with Born Muslims

They supported me in ways I never experienced before, and together, we shared a journey that leads toward the Hereafter.

It was as if, through losing one, Allah gifted me many more who were better for me in this life and the next.

Alhamdulillah for the people who stayed, and even more so for the ones who came after. 🤍

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- Syed 🌹