Can We Accept a Gift from a Non-Muslim?

Shaykh Bali's short answer — it is permissible to accept; the only condition is that the gift must not incline the heart toward their religion.

How the Question Comes Up

Living abroad or in a mixed neighbourhood, this question comes up often — sweets arrive from the house next door, or a packet from the workplace.

Some say it cannot be accepted, others say that refusing will damage the relationship. In the middle, the person is left confused.

The question was put to Shaykh Bali directly — what is the ruling on accepting a gift from someone outside Islam?

The Shaykh's Answer

The scholars say — it is permissible to accept gifts from Jews and Christians.

The Prophet ﷺ permitted Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) to send a gift to his polytheist brother in Makkah; he also did not stop Umm Habibah (may Allah be pleased with her) from sending a gift to her father Abu Sufyan — at that time he was still upon shirk.

There is a narration to the effect of 'We do not accept the gift of a polytheist'; however, the Prophet ﷺ himself accepted gifts from non-Muslims. The only condition is that the gift must not incline the heart toward their religion.

The evidence — what the Prophet ﷺ himself did

أَنَّ يَهُودِيَّةً أَتَتِ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِشَاةٍ مَسْمُومَةٍ، فَأَكَلَ مِنْهَا

A Jewish woman brought a poisoned goat to the Prophet ﷺ, and he ate from it. (Sahih Bukhari)Copy

The gift contained poison, which was not yet known at the time — the main point is that he accepted a gift from a non-Muslim. So there is no Shariah objection to it.

What to Do

1. You may accept a gift from a neighbour or colleague — there is no Shariah objection to this.
2. If taking part in a religious festival becomes tied up with the gift, avoid that part.
3. You may give gifts too — the Prophet ﷺ gave permission to Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).
4. If your heart begins to incline toward their religion, stop right then.

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Source: Based on a talk by Shaykh Wahid Abdus Salam Bali

Translation and compilation: Raqi Faisal Ahmed Sabit — Al Qur'an Ruqyah Healing Center