Mixing with the Disbelievers
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that
there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad
(peace be upon him)is His slave
and Messenger.
It is an obligation on a Muslim to avoid places of afflictions,
tribulations, disobediences and sins. If someone is obliged to enter
these places, and mix with the people there, he has to be patient not to
disobey Allaah, like lowering the gaze, not staying in seclusion with a
woman and so on. We advise you to look for a place that is free from
these prohibitions to study. If this is not possible and the type of
studies is necessary then there is no harm to continue these studies
provided you abide by the Commandments and Prohibitions of Allaah.
Dealing with non-Muslims is not prohibited as long as it is within
religious bounds. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to receive their
delegation and fulfill his promise towards them, as this is not
considered as taking them as protectors, helpers and friends. Taking
them as Awliyaa' (friends, allies, protectors and helpers) means to love
and help them and be affectionate to them and so forth. However, dealing
with them does not necessarily mean loving them and being affectionate
to them. A person may deal with many people whom he does not like.
Also, it is not permissible to sit at a dining table where wine is
drunk, for the Hadith reported by Ahmad from Umar (may Allah be pleased
with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Everyone who has faith in Allah and in the Last Day should not sit at a
dining table where wine is passed around" .
The reason of this ruling is that this practice leads to an increase in
the number of evil people at this gathering; it may also cause the wrath
of Allah to descend upon all those who are at that place.
Allaah knows best.
