Dealing with non-Muslims

Q: Is it permissible for a Muslim to participate in an interfaith prayer or program which takes place in a church, temple, synagogue, or any other place? Similarly, please explain whether it is permissible for a Muslim to pay tribute to a non-Muslim by attending his funeral ceremony or by being present at the burial in a non-Muslim graveyard. 

Lately, there has been a lot of talk and discussion around this issue, and some Ulama of JUSA mentioned that for political interests, it is permissible to take part in such interfaith programs, keeping in mind that we are a Muslim minority living in a non-Muslim country. Hence, in order not to be viewed negatively in the eyes of the non-Muslim government, there is scope of permissibility in deen for a Muslim to take part in such gatherings, where one will also have an opportunity to present Islam to people of different religions. 

The aalim of JUSA also presented the fatwa of Mufti Kifaayatullah (rahimahullah) as his proof for the permissibility of taking part in such gatherings. Does the fatwa of Mufti Kifaayatullah (rahimahullah) show permissibility, or is his fatwa being quoted out of context? Could Mufti Saheb also explain whether taking part in such a gathering will cause one to become a kaafir and come out of the fold of Islam? 

Q: A revert lady asks... If there's no forgiveness for a non Muslim who has passed away, what duaa can she make for her non Muslim parents who passed on. It causes much grief not to make duaa for them. 

Another revert student asks... How will we enjoy the beautiful bounties of jannah if our parents are not there to enjoy it with us and at the same time we know that they are in jahannam?

Q: I have a relative that turned to Christianity. He therefore is a murtad for more than 30 years and I refuse to associate with him. Some family members however associate with him as per normal. I even saw him recently in a masjid for his mother's janaaza taking part in the salaah.

I would appreciate if you can advise as everyone thinks I'm at fault as I must greet and interact with him to show him the beauty of Islam although he is a born Muslim. We tried in the beginning but he regrettably still practices Christianity.

Q: I'm a girl, and I have a non-Muslim friend who is also a girl. She has a private instagram account and sometimes she posts pictures, and some of them are of herself. Is it permissible for me to like these posts, or to comment that she looks nice, or to comment at all on the posts? Or is it not permissible for me to engage with her posts at all?

Q: Are we allowed to make dua for non Muslims? For example, when speaking to nurses/cashiers and if they did us a favour can we say God bless you?

Q: Recent events in Palestine makes us very disturbed as Muslims and human beings. What I have noticed is that not only Muslims around the world but also non-muslims are expressing solidarity and extending their support for Palestine. I would like to ask this question with genuine concern and I hope I do not offend you if I ask.

Should we not treat non Muslims in our lands with fairness and kindness, as we expect them to treat us fairly. In my own country of origin Pakistan, persecution of certain non Muslim groups like Ahmadiyas, Atheists, Hindus, etc. occurs in various form on frequent basis. Are we as Muslims allowed to stand up in support for these non Muslims communities like Ahmadis, Atheists, Hindus, etc. if they are oppressed by our own Muslim brethren?

Q: Is it correct to say that we should hate the kuffar (even those who don't oppress us) since they are enemies of Allah Ta'alaa, and our enemy, like how it comes in Quran, that the kuffar are open enemies to the Muslims?

Q: Can a Muslim woman share her left over food items with her Hindu neighbour?

Q: Is it permissible to give a translation of the Quraan to a non-Muslim who is interested in Islam, even though he cannot be assumed to be in the state of wudhu?

Q: At work with non-Muslims, my colleagues wanted to eat with me and I volunteered to buy the food. They asked me if it is ok if they get pepperoni pizza and I said it is fine. Later I asked them to just go ahead and order so I would not pay for their haraam food.

Since I first said “it was fine” is that kufr because I was too weak to explain to them that I don’t buy haraam food? I feel like I need to redo my Nikah and Hajj.