ANSWERED: Permissible to have non-muslim friends?

[Zahra]

Assalamu Alaikum,

Interested in what peoples views are on whether or not its okay to have non-muslim friends..when I say friends I don't mean someone you would confide in completely (I'm not making sense I know) but lets say non-muslim acquaintances whom you may socialise with if nothing haraam is involved?

Assalamu Alaikum.

[ahsanirfan]

I guess it would depend on the level of socialisation involved. Merely acquainting with non-Muslims is fine, for the purposes of education and work.

[abu-bakr]

Assalamu Alaikum,

Interested in what peoples views are on whether or not its okay to have non-muslim friends..when I say friends I don't mean someone you would confide in completely (I'm not making sense I know) but lets say non-muslim acquaintances whom you may socialise with if nothing haraam is involved?

Assalamu Alaikum.

Surah Al-Imran - 8
Ayah 28

Let not the believers Take for friends or helpers Unbelievers rather than believers: if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah. except by way of precaution, that ye may Guard yourselves from them. But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself; for the final goal is to Allah.

now its up to you.

My point of view:

"A man is known by the company he keeps" and we get influences from the atmosphere around us. I have been around non-muslims, seculars and religious. The secularism is not accepted in Islam, because it leads to wrong actions, mixed-gatherings, haram atmosphere and various other things which lead to the wrong path. Religious non-muslims have an interest of what religion we follow and try to indulge influence of their religion on us, i had many religious non-muslim friendships which ended with a furious debate on religion. Just like we are not to attend non-muslim religious ceremonies, we should not make non-muslim religious friends.

So the overall score, make muslim friends instead of non-muslim friends if you love islam and want to stay on the right path (thats why you're on sunniforum right?).

As for aquaintances, a little hi hello with non-muslims is a part of good nature taught in Islam. I have many non-muslim neighbors and aquaintances i greet them respectfully, talk to them about the news(or any non-haram topic) once in a while and help them out like when lifting something. We should not give them a wrong arrogant view of muslims and Islam. But there is a thin line between friendship and aquaintance which should not be crossed.

Thats what i think

Thank you

[ahsanirfan]

I second that.

[Zain121]

Assalamu Alaikum,

Interested in what peoples views are on whether or not its okay to have non-muslim friends..when I say friends I don't mean someone you would confide in completely (I'm not making sense I know) but lets say non-muslim acquaintances whom you may socialise with if nothing haraam is involved?

Assalamu Alaikum.

As Salaamu Alaykum

is it just me, or did the person who wrote this fatwa contradict himself?

As Salaamu Alaykum,

Following are a few extracts from a detailed answer by Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam of Darul Iftaa.

"...Islam forbids its followers from being very intimate with non-Muslims, but at the same time, it does not prevent one from treating them in a tender and generous manner... the scholars and jurists have categorized friendship with non-Muslims into four level and stages:

1) Muwalat or Mawadda: This means to have close and intimate relationship and deep love and affection from one’s heart.

This kind of relationship is reserved only for Muslims; hence it will not be permitted for a Muslim to have this type of friendship with non-Muslims. The verses of the Qur’an prohibiting Muslims from having intimate and close friendship with non-Muslims, especially the first verse of Surah al-Mumtahina, is regarding this kind of relationship.

2) Mudarat: This means to express friendship and love only outwardly without having love for them and their beliefs internally. It is a mere outward expression of the first stage (muwalat), hence it entails being pleasant, friendly, polite and kind towards non-Muslims. It involves expressing good manners, courtesy and good behaviour towards fellow human beings.

This kind of relationship with non-Muslims is permitted, as it is reserved for all human beings, whether Muslim or non-Muslim. This becomes even more important when the objective is to safeguard one’s self from potential harm, invite them towards Islam or when they are one’s guests. The verse of the Qur’an where Allah says “except by way of precaution that you may guard yourselves from them” refers to this type of relationship. However, if one fears corrupting his religious values, then this type of friendship will not be permitted with non-Muslims.

3) Muwasat: This means to help, assist and benefit non-Muslims. It includes charitable help and support, condolences and consolations, and removing harm, such as giving water to a thirsty non-Muslim or food to someone who is hungry.

This is also permitted with all types of non-Muslims except those who are directly at war with Muslims. The verse of the Qur’an where Allah Most High says: “Allah forbids you not, with regards to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loves those who are just” refers to this kind of relationship with non-Muslims.

4) Mu’amalat: This means to deal, transact and trade with non-Muslims. This is also permitted with all non-Muslims except when it is harmful to Islam and Muslims in general. (Culled from: Ahkam al-Qur’an, al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, Ma’arif al-Qur’an, 2/50-51, Jawahir al-Fiqh, 179-193 and Ifadat Ashrafiyya, P: 11)

The above clearly illustrates the need for Muslims to be moderate with regards to their interaction with non-Muslims. Unfortunately, some Muslims are victims of immoderation in one way or another..."

For the detailed answer please refer to the following article:

The Fiqh of Muslim Non-Muslim Interaction, A Detailed Explanation

And Allah Knows Best.

Wasalaam