Abstract
The topic of human relationshipsโbe they positive and sympathetic, or negative and hostileโreceives a great amount of attention in the Qurโan. Human beings need to be aware of both their friends and their enemies in order to learn how to engage with both groups, how to make additional friends and defend themselves from harm caused by enemies, and, if possible, turn these enemies into friends. There are several concepts used in the Qurโan to refer to the general notion of friendshipโa relationship that is positive, constructive, and sympathetic. Starting with an analysis of the concept of spouse (zawj) and then focusing on five other concepts used in the Qurโan to refer to friendship , I will try to explore their distinctive features as well as their similarities.