In Islam we are to exhibit the best of manners at all times. And a best mannered person is considered by everybody as friendly and has no enemies...
Of course for some who have grown in comfort, its unimaginable to think how a life of discomfort is... For someone who has slept in the comfort of bed and warmth, given proper education by parents, it would be unimaginable to think how a desolate orphan comes up in life... This matter is very similar, unless we keep hate, prejudice aside and read it, the chances are that we will pick a viewpoint/opinion, thats already seeded in our mind...
The word friend...
The word friend has taken a loose meaning. Go check the blogs and the news, acquaintace (ie friends) come and go, they dont remain forever. In social networks am told every person in your list is a friend. So every person you know (the old term was contact/acquaintance) becomes a friend. An acquaintance is a friend. Every business partner, by that definition is a friend? but, every classmate to a child is a friend. We are in an age, where values are tossed out at slightest hint of discomfort. The
word friend has been turned into a fad and in todays world, is casually thrown around.
We are to be good neighbours, hope of justice, the best of men and leading examples for rest. Does every classmate/business partner/ colleague become your guide/friend for leading Islamic way of life. That should be the real question...
Non-Hostile Humane approach:
And infact, once a person is known for good character, trust worthy, just and with right words/actions, most are willing to be his friend, they will run around calling such a one 'friend in need'. That's whats really needed. If we see a fellow human and fail to be humane in our approach I think that is a flaw. Our religion forbids hostility, except when the limit has been crossed. All that is expected from us is to be just to every other human irrespective of creed/culture/religion. And there is a neutral ground. Most acquaintance fall in this neutral ground. A true friend is a guide in right path and thats what those Aya and hadees tell us...
Thafseer for 60:8 and 60:9
60:8 And 60:9 are together and right beside... They should be read together... Pick a thafseer, Here Ibn Katheers :
http://www.quran4u.com/Tafsir Ibn Kathir/060 Mumtahinah.htm
http://abdurrahman.org/qurantafseer/ibnkathir/
Pick the one that suits you, but dont be too sure what you picked is absolutely correct, till you have read/seen in detail of someone has practiced it. Am in lookout for such guides, you folks also are am sure. So,
How did Umar[r] treat his subjects, that should be the guidance. How did Prophet(S) deal with kindness and compassion that should be the guidance...
May Almighty round our personality enough, such that we please him first and thereby the fellow humans around us too... Ameen!