In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful
The story of Mūsa [عليه السلام] is one I also love and revisit time and time again for its lessons in courage, trust, surrender, and humility. It feels personal, relatable in its rawness.
Recently, a dear friend asked if I saw myself as a Yūnus, and I replied: “No, I think I am more of a Mūsa, cos I am always needing a Hārūn.”
There is one moment in the story of Mūsa [عليه السلام] that stands out—a moment that is both deeply human and profoundly instructive….
Clears throat
Standing on the brink of his mission to confront Firʿawn, Mūsa turned to Allah with a humble plea, as he always does:
هارون أخي • أشدد به أزرى • وأشركه في أمرى • كى نسبحك كثيرا • ونذكرك كثيرا
"Hārūn, my brother; strengthen me through him, and join him in my task, so that we may glorify You much, and remember You much."
He was tasked with the mission of confronting Firʿawn, and he did something that speaks directly to the core of our human need. In this moment, Mūsa didn’t ask for power or wealth or even ease; he asked for companionship—someone to share in the weight of his mission, to remind him of his purpose, and to strengthen him in his worship.
The simplicity of his duʿāʾ teaches us something profound: even the strongest among us need someone by their side.
Mūsa [عليه السلام] recognized that the weight of his mission required more than personal strength—it demanded righteous companionship. And this was a man described as very strong, formidable.
Companionship: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
Throughout our islamic history, righteous companionship has been the cornerstone of spiritual growth.
The first task the Prophet ﷺ, focused on upon reaching Madīnah, was establishing the bonds of companionship between the between the muhājireen and the anṣār.
Look, at the example of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb and his neighbor ʿUtban bin Mālik [رضى الله عنهما]. Despite their worldly commitments, they established a rhythm of shared learning—taking turns to attend the Prophet’s ﷺ gatherings and then returning to share the day’s revelations and teachings.
If even the Prophets and the ṣaḥāba sought out companions for support, what about us?
I mean, who am I?
In a world brimming with distractions, where faith feels like swimming against the current, the need for a Hārūn in our lives—has never been greater.
The Weight of Loneliness
Today, we find ourselves in a world where connection is abundant but true companionship is scarce. We scroll through endless feeds, exchanging words but rarely hearts. Yet, the lessons of Mūsa and the ṣaḥāba remind us of something we often overlook: we need people in our lives who elevate us—friends who encourage us to stand in ṣalāh, remember Allah, and ground ourselves in His guidance.
We all need a Hārūn.
Not just any companion, but one who strengthens our resolve when it falters, someone who helps us see beyond the haze of daily struggles and lifts our hearts toward Allah.
This kind of companionship is a mercy, a light in the darkness of modern distractions.
What does your Hārūn Look Like?
…But finding such companionship requires effort. It means stepping into spaces where sincerity thrives. It means prioritizing relationships that nourish your soul rather than drain it.
Also, it means being a Hārūn for others—offering the same support and encouragement you seek.
...what you seek is seeking you [Rumi]...
An Invitation for You
I am excited for this month's Sister’s Suhbah. We will be looking at Friendship, and I did I say I am excited? Join us for Suhbah this Saturday In Sha'a Allah .
Faith flourishes in suhbah. Join our Suhbah.
In love and suhbah,
Umm Bilal
Really nice exploration of the need for companionship. I love the point you made about increasing disconnectedness and loneliness and that we have the obligation of being 'Harun' for someone else. In a world where 'you don't owe anyone anything' this is an important reminder that we need to be there for others as well!
This is such a wholesome post, I need to find my Harun ASAP lol...btw the journal in the picture is soo lovely, is it available for sale