Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Al-Azmi رحمه الله
A Muslim should avoid attending evil gatherings, and this includes the gatherings of polytheists, Jews, and Christians. Therefore, one should keep a distance from them as much as possible.
However, if a genuine need arises and a Muslim is compelled to eat with them, then he will be considered excused.
This is similar to the current situation in many institutions where Muslims and non-Muslims work together, and it is not always possible for the Muslim to avoid communal meals.
The positive aspect in such scenarios is that the Muslim can present the beauty of Islam before them and invite them towards it. Perhaps Allah ﷻ may guide them, and the Muslim may attain the great reward mentioned by the Noble Messenger ﷺ when he said to ʿAlī رضي الله عنه during the expedition of Khaybar:
❝Invite them to Islam. By Allah! If Allah guides even one man through you, it is better for you than red camels.❞
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ḥadīth no. 2942; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2406/34]
Note: Red camels were regarded as the most precious wealth among the Arabs.
[Ibn ʿUthaymīn: Nūr ʿala al-Darb: 4/21]
❖ Eating from the Same Plate with Polytheists
A Muslim should avoid attending evil gatherings, and this includes the gatherings of polytheists, Jews, and Christians. Therefore, one should keep a distance from them as much as possible.
✔ Permissibility in Case of Necessity
However, if a genuine need arises and a Muslim is compelled to eat with them, then he will be considered excused.
This is similar to the current situation in many institutions where Muslims and non-Muslims work together, and it is not always possible for the Muslim to avoid communal meals.
Turning the Situation into an Opportunity for Daʿwah
The positive aspect in such scenarios is that the Muslim can present the beauty of Islam before them and invite them towards it. Perhaps Allah ﷻ may guide them, and the Muslim may attain the great reward mentioned by the Noble Messenger ﷺ when he said to ʿAlī رضي الله عنه during the expedition of Khaybar:
❝Invite them to Islam. By Allah! If Allah guides even one man through you, it is better for you than red camels.❞
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ḥadīth no. 2942; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2406/34]
Note: Red camels were regarded as the most precious wealth among the Arabs.
[Ibn ʿUthaymīn: Nūr ʿala al-Darb: 4/21]
