Fatwa by: Dar al-Ifta Committee
Question:
We have a non-Muslim maid. Can I perform prayers in the clothes washed by her? Additionally, is it permissible to eat the food she prepares? Furthermore, is it allowed for me to criticize her religion and prove it false?
Answer:
It is permissible to seek assistance from a non-Muslim for tasks such as washing clothes, cooking, and similar duties. Similarly, eating the food cooked by her and wearing the clothes washed by her is also permissible because her physical body is considered pure, and her impurity is metaphorical. The Companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them) would take services from non-Muslim slave women and men and would consume food imported from non-Muslim lands, as they were aware that their bodies were physically clean. However, the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) indicate that if non-Muslims use utensils for drinking alcohol or cooking dead animals and pork, these utensils should be thoroughly washed before use. Likewise, if there is a need to use their clothes, the garments that come into contact with private areas should be washed.
As for criticizing their religion and proving it false, if the religion in question is their current belief system, then it is permissible because these existing religions are either fabricated, like idol worship, or distorted and abrogated, like Christianity. Therefore, pointing out flaws would target the fabricated, altered, and abrogated versions of the religion, not the original divine message. However, it is essential that you invite them to Islam, discuss Islamic teachings and their excellence, and highlight the differences between Islam and other false religions.
Question:
We have a non-Muslim maid. Can I perform prayers in the clothes washed by her? Additionally, is it permissible to eat the food she prepares? Furthermore, is it allowed for me to criticize her religion and prove it false?
Answer:
It is permissible to seek assistance from a non-Muslim for tasks such as washing clothes, cooking, and similar duties. Similarly, eating the food cooked by her and wearing the clothes washed by her is also permissible because her physical body is considered pure, and her impurity is metaphorical. The Companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them) would take services from non-Muslim slave women and men and would consume food imported from non-Muslim lands, as they were aware that their bodies were physically clean. However, the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) indicate that if non-Muslims use utensils for drinking alcohol or cooking dead animals and pork, these utensils should be thoroughly washed before use. Likewise, if there is a need to use their clothes, the garments that come into contact with private areas should be washed.
As for criticizing their religion and proving it false, if the religion in question is their current belief system, then it is permissible because these existing religions are either fabricated, like idol worship, or distorted and abrogated, like Christianity. Therefore, pointing out flaws would target the fabricated, altered, and abrogated versions of the religion, not the original divine message. However, it is essential that you invite them to Islam, discuss Islamic teachings and their excellence, and highlight the differences between Islam and other false religions.