BENEFIT: The Ruling on Offering Condolences to a Non-Muslim (shared by Sh. Saleem Ar-Radā’ee)

Scholars—may Allāh have mercy on them—have differed regarding the permissibility of offering condolences to non-Muslims. Jurists, such as Imām Ash-Shafi’ee [Al-Majmūʿ (5/275)] and Abū Ḥanīfah [Hashiyat Ibn ʿĀbidīn (3/140)] (according to one narration), held that it is permissible for a Muslim to offer condolences to a non-Muslim and vice versa, provided the non-Muslim is not at war with Muslims. Imām Ibn Qudāmah (d. 620 AH), may Allāh have mercy on him, stated: “Imām Aḥmad refrained from clearly stating a ruling on offering condolences to Ahl Adh-Dhimmah (non-Muslims living under Muslim protection). This issue is analogous to visiting them when they are sick, about which there are two narrations. One of them prohibits such visits based on the ḥadīth of the Prophet ﷺ: ‘Do not initiate greetings with the Jews and Christians,’ and offering condolences is considered similar. The second narration permits visiting them, based on the ḥadīth of Anas (may Allāh be pleased with him): ‘A Jewish boy used to serve the Prophet ﷺ. He fell ill, and the Prophet visited him and sat by his head and said, “Accept Islam.” The boy looked at his father, who was present, and the father said, “Obey Abul Qāsim (the Prophet ﷺ).” So the boy accepted Islam, and the Prophet left saying: “Praise be to Allāh who saved him from the Fire”’ [Bukhāri]. Based on this narration, it is permissible to offer condolences to them.” [Al-Mughnī (3/486)] Imām An-Nawawi (d. 676 AH), may Allāh have mercy on him, said: “It is permissible for a Muslim to offer condolences to a dhimmi (non-Muslim under Muslim rule) for the death of a relative who was also a dhimmi, saying: ‘May Allāh compensate you and not diminish your number.’” [Rawḍhat At-Tālibīn (2/145)] What seems apparent is that it is permissible to offer condolences to non-Muslims upon the death of a relative, visit them during illness, and express sympathy in times of hardship. This is supported by the ḥadīth of Anas ibn Mālik (may Allāh be pleased with him) mentioned above. Anas ibn Mālik also reported that a Jew once invited the Prophet ﷺ to a meal consisting of barley bread and rancid fat, and the Prophet accepted the invitation. [Bukhāri] It is also narrated by Ibn Abi Shaybah (3/238) that Abu Ad-Dardā' (may Allāh be pleased with him) visited a Jewish neighbour when he was sick. It should be noted that if a Muslim engages in these actions, they should intend by them to invite non-Muslims to Islam, win their hearts, and call them in the appropriate way at the appropriate time. Additionally, when offering condolences, one must not pray for the deceased non-Muslim's forgiveness, mercy, or entrance into Paradise, as Allāh says: “It is not for the Prophet and those who believe to ask forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they are close relatives, after it has become clear to them that they are the companions of Hellfire.” [At-Tawbah: 113] Rather, the Muslim should say what suits the situation, such as encouraging patience, expressing sympathy, and reminding that death is the destiny of all creation. Sheikh Al-Albani, may Allāh have mercy on him, was asked about offering condolences to a non-Muslim and he replied: “Yes, it is permissible.” [Al-Mawsū’ah Al-Fiqhiyyah Al-Mukhtaṣarah (4/185)] However, he restricted this ruling to non-Muslims who are not actively at war with Muslims. He cited a report in which ’Uqbah ibn ’Āmir Al-Juhani (may Allāh be pleased with him) encountered a man who appeared to be Muslim and greeted him. When told that the man was a Christian, ’Uqbah followed him and said: “Indeed, the mercy and blessings of Allāh are for the believers. However, may Allāh prolong your life, increase your wealth and your offspring.”