Having Friends Who Formerly Mocked Islam

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

Can we have non-Muslims as friends who mocked Islam in the past but don’t anymore?

Answer

I pray you are well.

Yes, it is permissible to have such friends, as is discussed in detail in Quran,6:68. Please refer to this tafsir class for more details.

You should, however, always place your relationship with Allah above any friends. If they negatively affect your religious practice, try to befriend practicing people.

With your non-Muslim friends, intend to show good character so they can see the beauty of Islam, but be prepared to walk away if they mock the religion again.

If they are the type of people who will not respect your religion at all, then walk away from them permanently. Be a person of dignity, and there isn’t much dignity in being around someone who mocks your beliefs.

If it was a one-off, or they are willing to not do such a thing after you have addressed it, then you can keep their company if there is some benefit to you.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital, and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.