Ahsan Allahu Ilaykum I have a close friend who falls into sins such as gheebah/problematic speech during our gatherings. Whenever I advise and remind him, he starts arguing, debating and attacking me. Should I continue to befriend him or distance myself from him in order to protect my deen?

Ustadh AbdulAziz al-Haqqan

If he does not listen to advice and carries on backbiting, leave the gathering and do not sit with him.