Seeing a dear friend drift away from the right path is so tough
Assalamualaikum. I'm in a really difficult situation and could use some advice. Four years back, I became close friends with someone. Her family was Muslim, though she wasn't very practicing at the time. With gentle encouragement, she started wearing the hijab, alhamdulillah. She even tried the niqab for a while, but later felt it wasn't the safest choice for her. She truly became the supportive Muslimah friend I'd always prayed for-reminding me to pray, sharing beautiful ayahs and hadith, and just being a wonderful influence. Then, about a year ago, we had a disagreement and stopped talking. It was like a complete change came over her. She went from modest dress to wearing tight, revealing clothes and makeup. It was shocking, especially remembering how she'd once shared teachings about the importance of modesty. I missed her and wanted to help guide her back, so we reconnected last May. I tried to gently advise her about her choices, but our conversation got cut short. She started listening to music openly and talking to non-mahram men, things she never would have done before. It's been hard to watch because, alongside this, her mental well-being has suffered greatly. Recently, she told me she liked someone and had even paid someone else to approach him for her. I was taken aback and reminded her about the importance of avoiding paths that lead to zina. She didn't take it well and has been distant since, even sharing in a group chat that she got his number and they're talking. My heart aches seeing her like this. It's not about judging her; I care deeply. But now, when we're together, she'll sometimes call men or play music around me, and I worry it's affecting my own iman. I want to remain her friend and support her, but I don't know how to help her see the truth without pushing her further away. Any wise words would mean so much. Jazakum Allahu khayran.