Shaykh Sayyid Raziuddin Ahmad Fakhri (may Allah have mercy on him) instructed the travelers on the path (salikeen),
” The four imperatives for treating a medical illness are,
1. Correct diagnosis
2. Appropriate consultation and treatment
3. Healthy diet
4. Avoidance of harmful things
Similarly in treatment of the diseases of the soul (batin) these all are essential. However, most crucial in them is the fourth item. That is, avoidance of harmful things. This means to avoid inappropriate companionship (suhba).
What is inappropriate suhba?
Anything, be it an individual person, a thought, a voice, a visual scene, a speech, a written material, a sign, a statement, in summary any entity that is not compatible with the actions, thoughts, mode and method of the traveler on this path is deleterious companionship that has to be avoided.”
Ahl e sulook per achi buri sohbet kay aseraat, page 6 &14