Question: O noble shaykh, this question is from a group of brothers living in the West. Many of our scholars have given fatāwa stating the permissibly of non-Muslims entering the masjid when there is a benefit. From amongst those scholars were Ibn Bāz, al-Albāni, al-‘Uthaymīn, may Allāh have mercy on them), and it is also the fatwa of The Permanent Committee [for Islamic Research and Verdicts]. As for the ‘Eid Ṣalāh, it will be performed in a public park with permission granted by the local government; thus, it is quite possible that local and security officials will attend. In fact, we would like to invite some of these officials so that they can witness the excellence of Islām, listen to its virtues, and understand its rejection of extremism, terrorism and other accusations made through the media. This is especially important since we live under a non-Muslim government and these relationships will help repel evil directed towards Islām and the Muslims.
So, we would like some advice from you as it relates to this affair. May Allāh reward you with good.
Response: Firstly, the only masjid that is not permissible for the non-Muslims to enter is al-Masjid al-Ḥaram (i.e. Makkah). As for any other masjid, there is no textual proof [from the Qur’an or Sunnah] which prevents a non-Muslim , whether Christian, Jew or polytheist, from entering, for the purpose of hearing the message of Islām. So the only masjid [that they cannot enter] is al-Masjid al-Ḥaram, as Allāh mentioned:
{إِنَّمَا الْمُشْرِكُونَ نَجَسٌ فَلَا يَقْرَبُوا الْمَسْجِدَ الْحَرَامَ بَعْدَ عَامِهِمْ هَٰذَا} التوبة: ٢٨
{Verily the Mushrikūn (i.e. polytheists) are [spiritually] impure so let them not come near Masjid al-Ḥaram after this year…} [09:28]
As for any other masjid, then there is leeway in this issue, [especially] if there is a possibility for them to listen to the message of Islām. Allāh says:
{وَإِنْ أَحَدٌ مِّنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ اسْتَجَارَكَ فَأَجِرْهُ حَتَّىٰ يَسْمَعَ كَلَامَ اللَّهِ} التوبة: ٦
{If one of the (i.e. polytheists) seek your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allāh} [09:06]
Listening to the message of Islām and clarifying that the religion is one of mercy and gentleness, one that calls to the servitude of Allāh alone and strictly prohibits the worship of human beings – there is no doubt that this will be a cause for the guidance of these people.
I do not think that anyone from the scholars who are firmly grounded in knowledge would say that it is impermissible for the non-Muslims to enter into the Masjid.
Questioner: No. O noble shaykh, what they are saying is that ‘calling the government officials who are non-Muslims is not from our way (i.e. manhaj)’ and the likes of this type of speech.”
Shaykh: The Prophet ﷺ directed his da’wah towards the kings of the earth. He sent messengers to call them to Islām. He sent a messenger to the King of Rome, another to the King of Persia, another to the Emperor of Egypt, and he also sent messengers to the King of Ethiopia; and Allāh says to you:
{لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ} التوبة: ٦
{Indeed you have in the Messenger of Allah a good example to follow…} [33:21]
So if it is possible to call the leaders and government officials to the religion of Islām, then this is a benefit for them as well as benefit to the call (i.e. da’wah) to Allāh’s religion.
