Explanation of the Hadith: “A person is upon the religion of his close friend”

Question:
The hadith of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him): “A person is upon the religion of his close friend”; please explain this hadith to us.

Answer:
Answer: The hadith is clear: the close friend, companion, and confidant has an effect on those he sits with and those he accompanies. Therefore, the Muslim should choose a righteous close friend from whom he benefits in his companionship, through whom his religion is strengthened, and he should avoid a bad companion. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The example of a righteous companion and a bad companion is like the carrier of musk and the bellower of the bellows. The righteous companion is like the carrier of musk; either he gives you some of the musk, or you buy some from him, or you find a pleasant scent as long as you are with him. And the bad companion is like the bellower of the bellows; either he burns your clothes, or you find a foul smell from him.” And the poet says: If you associate with a people, associate with the best of them, and do not associate with the worst, lest you perish with the perished.