Muslims are allowed to use unbelievers’ utensils after being cleaned from any impurity. It is also permitted to eat from earlier religions people food. The Prophet himself accepted a Jew invitation to a meal.
Unbelievers’ utensils
The primary ruling is that these are permissible to use. However, if it is known that they are contaminated with impurity, then they may not be used until they have been washed.
:Abu Tha'labah al-Khushni reported
‘I said: “O Messenger of Allah, we live among people who belong to earlier religions: is it permissible for us to eat in their plates? ” He said: “Do not eat in their plates. If you find nothing else, wash them and use them.”’
Related by al-Bukhari, hadith No. 5,478; Muslim, hadith No. 1,930
If such plates and utensils are not known to be contaminated with impurity, as in the case when their owners are known to handle no impurity, they are permissible to use.[1]
‘It is confirmed that the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions took water for their ablution from a large waterskin belonging to an idolater woman.’
Related by al-Bukhari, hadith No. 5,426; Muslim, hadith No. 682
Allah has made it permissible for Muslims to eat the food of the people of earlier revelations, and they are likely to serve it in their own plates and utensils.
:Anas reports
‘A Jew invited the Prophet (peace be upon him) to a meal made of barley bread and fat that has changed colour, and he accepted the invitation.’
Related by Ahmad, hadith No. 13,201
references
- Al-Nadawi, Al-Fiqh al-Muyassar, p. 6.