Question
We have a goup of four friends ,One of my friend is qadiani, we are livinig in canada and working together in a comapany in the same department, This qadiani friend had helped me to get job in his department. He is married and have two year daughter and i have two little daughters too. Can we keep same social relation with his like i have with my other friends. He knows i always avoid him in family gatherings. I am trying to find what should i do? because this friendship can put concequences on my family. what islam direct me to do in this regard?
Jaza-ka-Allaah
Answer
God has created us with our differences so that we reunite and appreciate one another. Whatever these differences are, unless somehow this affects your religious beliefs, it should not matter. This friend of yours is simply that. Whatever he believes has no affect on you or your family. Unless he is into heavy propagation towards your family or in constant heated debates with you then you may have other things to think about. However, his personal beliefs do not affect you. Obviously they are not naturally contagious. Besides if your friend is a decent and honest person does it really matter what he believes? Is this not a matter for God to judge? Faith is a personal affair that never transgresses the being of the person unless the person himself decides to express it for whatever reasons. So if your friend has not committed any such thing then there is no reason to worry about the friendship. By being close to him, you may get the chance to discuss religious issues in a more congenial and appreciative environment. This may lead to understanding each other more thoroughly, even if it does not result in any conversions. However, for such an exchange, it may be advisable that a person himself know about his own religion and religious beliefs.
Islam does not forbid friendships and leaves the choice up to each individual’s judgment. Considering all this you should have no worries in regards to this matter. Continue your friendship with your friend and leave the issues of faith to the respective individuals. Friends are a blessing and good ones may be hard to come by. Cherish what you have; a good friendship is something to treasure, do not allow your personal choices of faith get in the way of it.
I hope I have clarified the issue.
God knows best.