Leaving the Company of those who do Major Sins

Question :

May we speak to or give greetings of peace to those who commit major sins, such as those who practice homo- sexuality or fornication, sins about which the Shari'ah gives a stern warning? May we accompany such people, not for the sake of friendship, but to remind them of the Allah's warning and punishment, especially when we see signs of reform in them?

Answer:

It is obligatory to advise those who commit these acts of disobedience, to warn them of the horrible punishment for it, and to warn them that these are among the causes of disease, heedlessness and death to the heart. In case of one who is open or verbal about such things, then it is required to institute the legal punishments for that, reporting his case to the legal authorities. It is not allowed to accompany such people or sit with them rather it is obligatory to shun them so that perhaps Allâh will guide them and make them repent. This is the case as long as such shunning does not result in a greater evil, then it would be required to continually rebuke them with good manners and advice until Allâh guided them. It is not allowed to take them as friends, rather one must continue rebuking them and warning them about their disgusting behavior. It is the duty of those in authority in Islamic lands to take them to account and give them the punishment prescribed in the Shari'ah. It is the duty of any who is aware of such behavior to assist his nation in that, because Allâh Almighty said:
"Help you one another in virtue, righteousness, and piety."

He also said:
"The believers, men and women, are Awliya' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Ma'ruf (good), and forbid (people) from Munkar (evil)."

And:
"By Al-'Asr (the time). Verily! Man is in loss, Except those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth, and recommend one another to patience."

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"Whoever from you sees an evil, let him change it with his hands; if he is not able to, then with his tongue; and if he is not able to, then with his heart - and this is the weakest level of faith."

The Prophet ﷺ also said:
"The religion is sincere advice."

He was asked, "To whom, O Messenger of Allah?" He said:
"To Allah, to His Book, to His Messenger, to the Muslim leaders, and to the common Muslims."

There are many verses of the Qur'an and Hadiths with this meaning. We ask Allâh to improve the situation of the Muslims, to give them understanding in religion, to guide them to help one another in the promotion of good, to unite them upon guidance, and to guide those who are in charge of them. Indeed, He Almighty is the best to ask.