The Noble Prophet's ﷺ upholding of friendship

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Saeed Khudri رضي الله عنه that he reported from the Beloved Prophet ﷺ saying, "Of all people, the one who has done the greatest favor upon me through his companionship, love, and wealth is Abu Bakr." According to Bukhari, it is Aba Bakr. And if I were to choose a close friend, I would choose Abu Bakr, but the brotherhood and friendship of Islam is something else. Sayyiduna Nu'man bin Bashir رضي الله عنه narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "The friendship, mercy, and compassion among Muslims is like a body. When a part of the body is in pain, the entire body becomes feverish and sleepless." The Beloved Prophet ﷺ also said, "A person adopts the religion of his friend," meaning that a person's character and morals are like those of his companion. The renowned commentator, great scholar, and jurist of the Ummah, Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan رحمۃ اللہ علیہ said, "By 'religion' is meant either one's faith and religion or one's character and morals. The second meaning is more apparent. It means that generally, a person adopts the character and morals of his friend, and sometimes even his religion. Therefore, befriend good people so that you too may become good. The Sufis say, لَاتُصَاحِبْ اِلَّا مُطِیْعًا وَلَا تُخَالِلْ اِلَّا تَقِیًّا 'Do not befriend anyone except the obedient (of Allah Almighty and Beloved Prophet ﷺ), and do not befriend anyone except the pious.'