Is it permissible to accept a gift from the People of the Book?

The questioner : The ruling on accepting a gift from the People of the Book?

The Shaykh : This differs between the person who accepts the gift and the person who gives it. If accepting the gift is accompanied by a worldly benefit, it is not permissible. If nothing follows from it, or if it may lead to the softening of the heart of the one giving the gift, then it is permissible; otherwise, it is not. The basis is his saying (peace and blessings be upon him): . Yes, this is the basis, but this sometimes differs; the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) accepted gifts from some of the polytheists, and therefore this detail is provided.