Dealing with those who commit evils

Q: I have friends who are Fasiqun (those flagrantly violating Islamic law) and commit immoral acts (Part No. 26; Page No. 77) that evoke Allah's Anger. However, I love them very much, as they love me. I forsake them in order that they may keep away from evils. Nevertheless, I feel deeply sorry for them. I do, however, bring them religious books and teach them Salah (Prayer). What is your Fatwa concerning this?

A: If the case is as you have mentioned, it is not permissible for you to befriend or accompany them, based on the Statement of Allah (Exalted be He): You (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) will not find any people who believe in Allâh and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), even though they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred (people). And on the generality of His Statement (Exalted be He): And when you (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) see those who engage in a false conversation about Our Verses (of the Qur’ân) by mocking at them, stay away from them till they turn to another topic. You should advise them and if they remain heedless, you should inform the authorities to take charge of them.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.