What is the ruling on one who prays some prayers and leaves others, such as praying Dhuhr but abandoning Asr or Maghrib? And is it permissible to associate with such a person and treat them with gentleness and kindness, or is ostracization more appropriate?

Prayer is of great importance in Islam, being the second pillar after the two declarations of faith (Shahadatayn). One who abandons it out of denial of its obligation is, by scholarly consensus, an infidel (kafir). However, regarding one who abandons it out of laziness, there is a difference of opinion. One who abandons prayer is someone who leaves it completely. As for someone who prays sometimes and abandons it at other times, he is not considered a disbeliever according to the most preponderant opinion, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Between a man and polytheism and disbelief is the abandonment of prayer," and "The covenant between us and them is prayer; whoever abandons it has disbelieved." What is meant here is absolute abandonment. It is obligatory to advise whoever abandons prayer and warn him of its consequences. If advice does not work, then abandoning him (socially ostracizing him) becomes obligatory.