Q 2: Is it permissible to befriend someone who does not perform Salah (Prayer)?

A: Scholars agreed that whoever intentionally abandons Salah and denies its obligation is a Kafir (disbeliever). Anyone who abandons prayer out of laziness and carelessness is also Kafir (disbeliever) according to the soundest opinions of scholars. Therefore, it is not permissible to be a companion of those who do not perform Prayer; rather they should be abandoned after indicating to them that abandoning Salah is Kufr (disbelief). This is necessary because perhaps they did not know the ruling. It has been authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: The covenant that distinguishes between us and them (the hypocrites) is Salah. Anyone who abandons it is a Kafir. He (peace be upon him) also said: Verily, between a person and Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and Kufr (disbelief) is the negligence of prayer. Related by Muslim in his Sahih (authentic) Book of Hadith. The ruling of both Hadiths includes anyone who does not perform Salah out of denying its obligation or because of carelessness. (Part No. 12; Page No. 375) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.