What is the difference between an intimate friend (khalīl) and a companion (ṣāḥib) linguistically and according to Islamic law?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
'Khalil' (intimate friend) is derived from 'khullah,' which signifies love and affection that has permeated the heart and settled deep within it. 'Sahib' (companion), on the other hand, is derived from 'suhbah,' which means companionship or association. 'Khalil' denotes a deeper friendship than 'sahib,' as evidenced by the : "Had I taken a Khalil, I would have taken Abu Bakr as a Khalil, but he is my brother and my Sahib. And Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has indeed taken your companion as a Khalil."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- 67379
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