By Shaykh Bakr Aboo Zayd (rahimahullaah)

Just as hereditary disposition is hidden (1), “bad characteristics are [also] hidden;” (2) because character is transferable, and [first] impressions are major abductors of hearts, and people are like the flocks of birds, naturally disposed to imitating one another; so beware of associating with whosoever is to this liking; for it is indeed destruction, and “prevention is better than cure.”

Therefore, choose the best for companionship and friendship; someone who will help you in your quest, in drawing nearer to your Lord, and agrees with you in your noble objective and intention. Take [from me] the most precise gauge in categorizing friends: (3)

1. A friend who befriends you [solely] for his welfare.
2. A friend who befriends you [solely] for fun.
3. A friend who befriends you for virtue.

As regards the first two [categories of friends], then their [relationship] with…