How does a Muslim deal with non Muslims? Is it permissible for him to work with them and befriend them?
كيف يتعامل المسلم مع غير المسلمين؟ هل يجوز له العمل معهم ومصاحبتهم؟
Islam is a religion of justice, mercy, and functional integration. It does not isolate its followers from the rest of the world. Instead, it lays down clear and beautiful ethical guidelines on how to interact, trade, and build positive relationships with people of different faiths.
الإسلام دين عدل ورحمة واندماج وظيفي. فهو لا يعزل أتباعه عن بقية العالم. بل يضع مبادئ توجيهية أخلاقية واضحة وجميلة حول كيفية التفاعل والتجارة وبناء علاقات إيجابية مع أصحاب الديانات الأخرى.
1. Cooperation in Goodness | التعاون على البر
If a Muslim does not fear for his religion by working with a non Muslim or befriending him, he may freely work with him and accompany him. The foundation of this relationship is built on mutual benefit and righteousness. Allah Almighty says: (Cooperate with one another in goodness and righteousness, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression. And be mindful of Allah. Surely Allah is severe in punishment.) Surah Al Maidah 5: 2.
إذا لم يخش المسلم على دينه من العمل مع غير المسلم أو من مصاحبته فيجوز له العمل معه ومصاحبته. أساس هذه العلاقة مبني على المنفعة المتبادلة. لأن الله تعالى قال: (وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ) المائدة 5: 2.
2. Practical Examples from the Sunnah | أمثلة عملية من السنة
The practical life of the Prophet pbuh demonstrates his regular and peaceful interactions with people of different faiths. For instance, the Prophet pbuh performed ablution from a water vessel that belonged to a disbelieving woman. He also accepted an invitation to a meal from a Jewish woman, showing that sharing food and social visits are perfectly acceptable.
توضح الحياة العملية للنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم تعاملاته السلمية مع أصحاب الديانات الأخرى. ولأن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم توضأ من مزادة امرأة مشركة. كما وقبل النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم دعوة من امرأة يهودية.
3. Financial and Business Transactions | المعاملات المالية والتجارية
Conducting business, borrowing, and lending with non Muslims is completely permissible. The Prophet pbuh died and his shield was pledged as collateral to a Jew, with 30 sa'a (a measurement that was used) of barley for his family. Furthermore, the Messenger of Allah pbuh borrowed armor from Safwan bin Umayyah, who was a polytheist at the time, during the battle of Hunayn. Safwan asked: "Is it extorted O Muhammad?" The Prophet pbuh replied: "No, rather it is a guaranteed loan."
إن إجراء المعاملات التجارية والاقتراض والإقراض مع غير المسلمين جائز تماما. كما توفي النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ودرعه مرهونة عند يهودي، بثلاثين صاعا من شعير لأهله. وفي الحديث أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم استعار من صفوان بن أمية وكان مشركا يومئذ أدرعا يوم حنين، فقال: أغصب يا محمد؟ فقال: لا، بل عارية مضمونة.
Frequently Asked Questions | الأسئلة الشائعة
Can a Muslim work with or befriend a non Muslim?
Yes, it is perfectly permissible as long as the Muslim does not fear for their religion and the cooperation is based on goodness and righteousness.
Did the Prophet pbuh engage in business with people of other faiths?
Yes. The Prophet pbuh bought, borrowed, and pledged collateral with non Muslims, such as pledging his shield to a Jew for barley and borrowing armor from Safwan bin Umayyah.
Is it allowed to eat food offered by non Muslims?
Yes, as long as the food itself is halal. The Prophet pbuh accepted an invitation and ate food offered by a Jewish woman.