Qualities of a Dear Friend

Hadhrat Ali (Radhiallaahu Anhu) mentioned that the good friend and neighbour has the following qualities:

Forgive the shortcomings of the friend
Show pity to the friend’s difficulties
Conceal his shortcomings 
Overlook his excuses
Accept his forgiveness
Stop the backbiting spoken of the friend
Always be with the friend 
Protect the friendship
Fulfil the needs of the friend 
Visit him when he is sick 
When he dies, be present at his Janaaza
When invited, accept his invitation 
If he gives a gift, accept it 
If he does good, then reciprocate accordingly
When the friend offers a bounty, then thank him
When he needs help then assist him 
Preserve the honour and respect of your friend and his house
Fulfil his needs that accord with Shariáh
Accept his intercession if it is according to Shariáh
Do not make him despondent in his requests
Reply to the friend’s sneeze by saying “Yarhmukallaahu” if he said ‘Alhamdulillah’
If anything is lost of the friend, then assist him to look for it
Reply to his Salaam
Support and praise his good works 
If one has taken an oath to fulfil something, assist him in accomplishing the oath
Assist your friend at all times whether he is an oppressor or oppressed. Assisting him if he is an oppressor is to stop him from oppression.
Also communicate with him and do not create animosity.
Don’t disgrace a friend Don’t swear a friend 

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.co.za