We’ve been told it’s not okay to have bad company (friends who influence you in a negative way). But what if, after becoming stronger in faith, I am the one who can help my friends? That I’m the one who can influence and help them come closer to God too? I can’t just cut them off. What do I do?

Pray, make lots of duaa for your friends, and for you to become stronger in your deen. If you can’t distance yourself from them, even temporarily, to focus on yourself, then ask them to join you as you practice Islam. Show them that Islam isn’t just the acts we perform, but it’s in our conduct, our morals, ethics, trustworthiness, speech, etc. Don’t just be Pious Patel who prays a lot – be Pious Patel who never says a bad word, always helps people, and always prays on time.