away from your enemy and be cautious with your friend unless they are trustworthy, for there is no one equal to a trustworthy person.

Do not associate with a sinner, as they will teach you immorality, and do not share secrets with them. Seek advice in your affairs only from those who fear Allah.^[1]

The Muslim’s 4^th Caliph, ʿAlī al-Murtaḍā رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ said:

Do not befriend an open sinner, for they will present their sinful acts to you in an appealing manner and wish for you to become like them. They will portray their worst characteristics as virtues. Associating with them is disgraceful and a cause for shame.

Do not form a bond with a fool, for they will burden themselves unnecessarily and provide you with no benefit. In fact, they may intend you benefit but end up harming you. Their silence is better than their speech, their distance is better than their proximity, and their death is better than their life.

Do not befriend a liar, for living with them will not benefit you. They will relay your words to others and bring others' words to you. Even if you speak the truth, they will not."^[2]

Jaʿfar b. Sulaymān رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه narrates: "I once saw a dog following Mālik b. Dīnār. ‘Why is this dog with you?’, I asked him. He replied, ‘This dog is better than a bad friend.’"^[3]

Dear Islamic brothers! You have heard how harmful a bad friend can be in both this world and the Hereafter. True safety lies in staying far away from bad people, even avoiding their shadow, lest others associate us