Can a Muslim Rent to a Christian and Accept Gifts from Them?

Islamic Ruling on Dealing with Non-Muslims: Renting and Accepting Gifts

Question: The husband is Christian, and his wife is Muslim. They live on rent. The landlord asks if it is permissible to rent to them and if they can consume the items given by them.

Answer: Worldly dealings are separate from religious matters. It is permissible to engage in worldly dealings with a non-Muslim, such as talking, renting out a house, or accepting a lawful gift from them. However, a Muslim woman living with a Christian man is a serious matter, and in this case, the Muslim woman is no longer considered a Muslim; she is considered to have left Islam because she prefers the Christian religion. One of the nullifiers of Islam is considering another religion or way better than Islam, which seems to be the case with this woman.

From a worldly perspective, there is no harm in dealing with them. However, due to the shameful act of a Muslim woman living with a Christian man, it is better not to consume their items as a form of admonition. Additionally, efforts should be made to explain to the woman and encourage her to repent and re-enter Islam. Whether she repents or not, as Muslims, we should fulfill our duty of inviting others to Islam.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah

❪Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫