Is it permissible to associate with a committed Muslim who has memorized the Qur'an but hates the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, considering his refusal of advice by saying: "What is your problem if I hate, and no one can force a person to love someone"?

Love for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is an individual obligation (fard ayn), and faith is not valid without it, for he, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "None of you believes until I am more beloved to him than his child, his father, and all people." And his love, peace and blessings be upon him, is a cause for tasting the sweetness of faith. As for hating him, it is disbelief and apostasy from Islam, as stated by the scholars.

Therefore, one must be cautious of associating with those who hate the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, for fear of being influenced by them, as a companion influences his companion. It has been reported in the hadith: "Do not accompany anyone but a believer," and "A man is upon the religion of his intimate friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends."