Bismillah,
Assalamualaykum dear all
Subhan'Allah, i pray we're all well.
Whats this Subhan'Allah - peace please.....a smile to your brother is charity no? ofcourse it is....
Dear 'theonlystar' - the matter with regards to your friend is between him and Allah. If he has committed many sins, pray for his guidance - dont listen to the absusive words people say about him. In actual fact, i believe a true friend is the one who helps you remember the Akhira or reminds you of Allah. When you look at him/her, you feel to be in his or her presence all the time, out of the love and mercy Allah has put in your hearts towards eachother. Such is a blessing of being around good people/friends.
Going back to your question, nobody is perfect dear 'theonlystar' - we need to relalise our potential before we point fingers at others right? so Insha'Allah, help your friend; give him/her good company, do your best to speak about Allah's fruitful rewards. If you feel remaining in his company would affect you and your Deen and that he is not listening, then there only is so much you can do.
In essence my dear brother/sister in Islam, let the matter be with him and Allah - It could be that he has committed sins, but we all commit sins/mistakes (may Allah forgive us Ameen) does that mean we all are ugly? Subhan'Allah, how does that make people who speak about him in this way any better than him? On the other hand, he could be really pious and people are just saying things in order to cause trouble - Allahu A'lam. Remember that Alayhis sallatu wassalam said that 'the one who repents is like the one who did not sin'. Try not listen to vain talks regarding him or in general, help your friend to remember Allah and remember to always be in good company dear member. I believe association breeds assimilation - both positive and nagative alike.
Nobody has a right to Judge another person. Lets all consider the features of a sound heart:
On the authority of Abdullah bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) he said: It has been said to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): Who's the best among people?
He said (peace be upon him): “Every one who has a Makhmoum heart, and a truthful tongue”.
They said: “The truthful tongue we know, but what is the Makhmoum heart? ”
He said (peace be upon him):
“It is the pious, the pure that has no sins in it, no transgression, no rancor and no envy”. [Ibn Majah]
Remember that it is not too late to repent, the door of Mercy is always open Alhamdulillah. May Allah forgive us all for our sins and shortcomings and enable us all to help each other become better Muslims Ameen Ya Rabb Al-Alamin.
Insha'Allah may Allah reward you for your patience and preserve you and your friend Ameen.
Insha'Allah i hope this helps for the sake of Allah. May Allah forgive me if i have said, stated or adviced anthing wrong and allow me to first and formost implement what i say Ameen.
Fi'Amanillah
Wassalamualaikum
your sister in Islam