What is the ruling on my continuing a relationship with a friend who claims he does not lie, has a secret power, and is close to Allah, but does not believe in the obligation of growing a beard, permits music, does not believe in the coming of the Mahdi and the descent of Jesus (peace be upon him), and believes the Qur'an was created, knowing that he disturbs me when I pray and read the Qur'an?

The Shariah encourages choosing a pious companion who helps in obedience, because "a person is on the religion of his intimate friend," and is influenced by those he accompanies. The companion mentioned in the question has a methodology that contradicts the methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah; he claims spiritual stations (maqamat) and hidden powers, and attributes to Allah what is not befitting Him. He must be advised with wisdom, knowledge, and patience, and introduced to the methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, which is based on submission to Allah and His Messenger and following the Salaf. It should be clarified to him that true wilayah (sainthood/guardianship) is not achieved by claiming spiritual stations, but by humility before Allah. He needs to learn sacred knowledge from the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah and understand them with the understanding of the righteous Salaf. He should also be advised to abandon his negligence in prayers and his listening to music, which he mistakenly believes is a means of drawing closer to Allah. He should be corrected that the Qur'an is the uncreated speech of Allah.