How do I choose good friends in Islam?

Mostly by character, not by labels. Look for friends who are honest, kind and trustworthy, who respect your values and who make it easier for you to do good. The Prophet ﷺ taught that people are influenced by their close friends, so choose with care. You don't need to cut off good friends who aren't Muslim.

Why friends matter so much

The Prophet ﷺ said that a man follows the religion of his close friend, so each of you should look at whom he befriends (Sunan Abi Dawud 4833). He also gave a picture: a good companion is like a musk seller, who may give you perfume or at least a pleasant smell, while a bad companion is like a blacksmith's bellows, who may burn your clothes or leave a bad smell on you (Sahih al-Bukhari 2101).

The Quran also advises staying with people who remind you of Allah:

وَٱصْبِرْ نَفْسَكَ مَعَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُم بِٱلْغَدَوٰةِ وَٱلْعَشِىِّ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَهُۥ "And patiently stick with those who call upon their Lord morning and evening, seeking His pleasure." Quran 18:28

Signs of a good friend

Honest and reliable: they keep their word and your secrets.
Kind to others: how they treat waiters, family and people who can't help them tells you a lot.
Respects your boundaries: they don't mock your prayer, your halal choices or your modesty.
Encourages your best self: you feel closer to Allah, or at least not pulled away from Him, after seeing them.
Gives sincere advice: they tell you the truth gently, not just what you want to hear.

Signs to be careful about

Pressure to join things you know are wrong, such as drinking, gossip or cheating.
Constant mocking of your faith, even "as a joke".
Backbiting, drama and breaking confidences.
Making you feel guilty for praying or fasting.

The Quran warns that close friends can turn against each other on the Day of Judgment, except those who were mindful of Allah (Quran 43:67). Friendships built on good are the ones that last.

Friends who aren't Muslim

Good character can be found in anyone. The Quran says Allah does not forbid kindness and fairness toward people who have not fought you over religion (Quran 60:8). You can keep kind, loyal non-Muslim friends, while making sure your closest circle supports your faith. See Can I keep my non-Muslim friends after becoming Muslim?

Finding friends who help you grow

If you don't have many Muslim friends yet, start small and be patient. See How do I make friends at the mosque as a new Muslim? and How do I find Muslim friends if there is no mosque nearby?

Key points

Friends shape us, so choose them carefully (Sunan Abi Dawud 4833).
Look for honesty, kindness and respect for your values.
Distance yourself from friends who push you toward wrongdoing.
Good non-Muslim friends can stay in your life.

Tip: After you spend time with someone, ask yourself, "Do I feel lighter or heavier? Closer to who I want to be, or further?" Your answer helps you see what that friendship is doing for you.