Question:

We learn from the hadith that severing ties is disliked by Allah. Does friendship also come under this?

Answer: حامدا ومصليا ومسلما

The words of “joining ties” and “severing ties” that come in hadith are concerning relatives and family. It does not apply to normal friendships. Yes, it is prohibited to discontinue talking to a Muslim for more than three days. This ruling will apply to all people you are connected to whether they are relatives of friends. However, it is a sin and haram for a Muslim woman to keep friends with any non mahram male relative or a male non-relative. There is no permission for that at all. The doors of fitnah are opened by such friendships. Therefore it is wajib to severe ties from such people. There will be no sin in this, rather one will be rewarded.

And Allah knows best.
(Mufti Maulana) Khalid Saifullah (May Allah preserve him.)
Kitabul Fatawa (6/105)