What is the religious ruling on befriending an atheist?

Associating with atheists is an immense danger, for an individual is influenced by their friends, and a bad friend will disown their companion on the Day of Resurrection. A person will be with whom they love. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, likened a bad companion to the blower of a bellows, who harms his companion. The companionship of atheists distorts one's image, and a believer is required to disavow disbelievers and atheists.