Features of a good companion
If the company of your Sheikh is not possible then the alternative is a pious companion, combine this with the remembrances of Allah (thikr) and studying aphorisms (malfoozaat of pious Scholars).
Although many people appear religious, the pious servants of Allah have certain features which testify to their sincerity.
(1) When you associate with such a person instinctively your attention turns towards Allah, His Rasool صلى الله عليه و سلم and Deen. Without even speaking, his demeanor reminds you of the personality of Allah and thoughts of repentance and good deeds arise.
(2) He possesses necessary knowledge of Deen and has received spiritual training under the supervision of an authentic Sheikh.
(3) He practices upon the Shariah and does not openly violate it.
(4) He is adamant on following the Sunnah of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم .
(5) He is merciful upon associates yet stern upon principles, he harbors no personal gain or is avaricious of wealth in return.
(6) After associating with such a person for a while one finds an aversion and dislike for those bad habits and deeds which may have been committed for years, they begin to disappear without much effort, especially the habit of lustful gazing and backbiting. Greater the confidence upon the pious, greater the benefits.
(7) Peace, contentment and tranquility (sakeenah) descends from Allah upon your heart when associating with a pious person.
(8) Sometimes, when the compassionate gaze, attention and heartfelt dua of a pious scholar falls upon one, many mental, spiritual, emotional and physical issues afflicting a person either vanish immediately or become bearable through the Grace of Allah. The heart, soul and mind are strengthened. (Tranquil eye pg. 98)
We need to examine our company and see if these are their features. If so hold on to them. If not, we need to make changes in our lives for the benefit of our Aakhirah.
May Allah grant us pious, righteous company all the time.
Features of a good companion
Point one is written well.
Many people misunderstand this point. They hold it to be that when they sit in the Shaikh’s company and he speaks of the Aakhirah they learn something and acquire the desire to do good.
This is not what is meant.
Rather, simply by sitting in his company one’s heart longs for the aakhirah and the love for this world decreases. This feeling arises even when the Shaikh does not speak a single word. Rather the silence of the Kaamil Shaikh is more beneficial than his speech.