Ikrimah (may Allah have mercy on him) says that once, while discussing the issue of the grandfather, Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had said: "If I were to take anyone from this Ummah as my close friend (khalil), I would have taken him." This decision was made regarding Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him).