list of articles
Greeting a Mixed Group of Muslims and Unbelievers
A Muslim can offer the greeting of peace to a group of Muslims and unbelievers providing that he intends it to Muslims. The Prophet used to offer peace greeting when he passed by a group of Muslims and idolaters.
Friendship with Unbelievers
Muslims are required to disown unbelievers for God’s sake without harming them. They just have to maintain good peaceful relationships. But taking non-Muslim as intimate associates is not permissible.
Exchanging Visits with Unbelievers
It is permissible to exchange visits with non-Muslims when necessary or if it will help Muslims to introduce Islam and giving some advice which is a noble purpose. The Prophet himself used to visit non-Muslims.
Offering a Greeting Other Than Peace to non-Muslims
There are two views on offering unbelievers a greeting other than peace or starting with an ordinary greeting. One view permits offering a general greeting. The other forbids to start by greeting a non-Muslim
Greeting Unbelievers
There are different views on greeting unbelievers. Some consider it accepted to start by offering the greeting as a way to win their goodwill. Others only allow Muslims to reply the greeting and not to start it.
Giving Gifts to non-Muslims
It is perfectly permissible to offer gifts to unbelievers who are at peace with Muslims. But the permissibility excludes giving them gifts at their religious feats as this would be an approval for their unbelief.
Accepting Gifts from Unbelievers
Taking a gift from an unbeliever; An unbeliever’s gift to a Muslim; A gift from a non-Muslim.
Bowing to Greet an Unbeliever
In some greeting situations people bow to each other by lowering their heads or chests. But Muslims are not permitted to bow to each other or to non-Muslims. As it is a greeting of worship that is only offered to God.
Shaking Hands with Women
The majority of scholars view that it is not permissible for Muslim men and women to shake hands if they are not related to each other. The other view permits shaking hands with elderly women if there is no temptation.
