What is the ruling on maintaining a friendship with a non-Muslim and helping them, given that Muslims are being persecuted in the country, and should the friendship remain with someone who fights their people's Islam?

It is not permissible for a Muslim to take a non-Muslim as a close friend or ally, due to the forbidden affection and love involved, and because friendship leads to imitating the friend. However, this does not mean boycotting non-Muslims if they are not warring or hostile. It is permissible to be kind and good to them, accept their gifts, and engage in financial transactions with them, especially if it is with the intention of inviting them to Islam.

Therefore, there is no objection to a Muslim lending a non-Muslim a benevolent loan to cover their tuition fees, especially if this is in return for the non-Muslim's previous kindness and assistance to the Muslim, while ensuring to keep the company of a pious believer.