Is it permissible for a convert to Islam to describe those he knew before his conversion as his friends?

Question:
I ask Allah to do you good. Your Eminence, father, the questioner says: Should I advise a brother of mine who converted to Islam several years ago, yet he still describes people he knew before his Islam by saying, "They are my friends"?

Answer:
I did not understand what he understood. He understood that this is not permissible. As for giving gifts and maintaining ties, there is no harm. It is permissible to give gifts to a disbeliever. However, saying "my friends"—friendship means love—this is not permissible. He should refrain from friendship. But as for him maintaining contact with them, giving them gifts, and them giving him gifts, there is no objection. This is direct dealing. Yes.