Is it permissible to sit in a gathering that includes a mix of Muslims and disbelievers?

The questioner : And there is a gathering of a mix of polytheists and Muslims. Yes. It is permissible to sit with the Muslims.

The Shaykh : It is permissible in public gatherings.

The questioner : The airport, yes.

The Shaykh : It is like the airport, or like people in one job in a company, for example, meaning one job brings them together.

The questioner : You have been kind to us.

The Shaykh : It may be said that this was before people were commanded to declare disavowal of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and to distance themselves from its people. It may be said that this was the case. Now we say there is no harm; if one job brings them together, there is no harm. For example, people in a company with Christians, with Buddhists, and with Muslims, there is no harm, and there is no blame in eating together, no blame. However, the further a person keeps his distance from them, the better. He should not joke with them, be affectionate toward them, or show that he is pleased with their actions. No.