Aslam

Praise be to Allah.

Shaykh al-Shanqeeti (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

Note that Allaah mentions this dog in His Book, and says that he was

stretching forth his two forelegs at the entrance to the Cave [al-Kahf

18:18], in the context of referring to their high status. This indicates

the great benefit to be gained by keeping company with righteous people.

Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in his commentary on

this aayah:

“Their dog was included in their blessing, so he slept

as they slept in that situation. This is the benefit of keeping company

with righteous people, so this dog was mentioned and was given status

too.”

This meaning is also indicated by the hadeeth of the

Prophet

(peace and blessings of Allaah, in which he said to the one who said

that he loved Allaah and His Messenger, “You will be with those whom

you love.” (Agreed upon, from the hadeeth of Anas).

From this it may be understood that keeping company with

bad people causes a great deal of harm, as Allaah explained in Soorat

al-Saaffaat, where He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“A speaker of them will say: Verily, I had a companion

(in the world),

Who used to say: Are you among those who believe (in

resurrection after death).

(That)

when we die and become dust and bones, shall we indeed (be raised up)

to receive reward or punishment (according to our deeds)?

(The speaker) said: Will you look down?

So he looked down and saw him in the midst of the

Fire.

He said: By Allaah! You have nearly ruined me.

Had it not been for the Grace of my Lord, I would

certainly have been among those brought forth (to Hell)”

[al-Saaffaat 37:51-57]