What is the wisdom behind the word "your friend" appearing in the verse (Surat An-Nur: 61)? Is a friend considered to be in the same category as the maharim mentioned in it? Does the verse permit the gathering of male and female friends to eat?

The mention of "al-Siddiq" (the close friend) in the verse alongside relatives is due to the love for maintaining ties with friends. The verse is not a definitive text on the issue of women eating with men. Rather, some interpreted it to mean a close friend eating from his friend's food without an explicit invitation.