Is it permissible to accept a gift from a disbeliever?
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The questioner : We often work with Hindus in companies, whether in the Kingdom or in India, and our Hindu colleagues bring gifts when they have an occasion.
The Shaykh : An occasion?
The questioner : An occasion of theirs, such as one of them getting married, or a promotion in their jobs, or something else. So, is it permissible to accept this gift, which consists of sweets, or is it not permissible? And is it permissible to eat it, or not?
The Shaykh : In fact, the question is simply: Is it permissible for a person to accept a gift from a non-Muslim? That is the summary.
And the answer is: Yes, it is permissible to accept a gift from a non-Muslim. It is established that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) accepted a sheep from a Jewish woman that she had gifted to him. He also accepted the invitation of a Jew; that is, he was invited to a meal and he accepted the invitation, except in the case of a religious occasion. If it is for a religious occasion, it is not permissible to accept their gifts, such as their birthdays. It is not permissible for you to accept their gifts or congratulate them on that, because this is ... what is it regarding the rituals? Regarding the rituals of disbelief. For their rituals are things that a Muslim is not allowed to approve of or assist with.
As for what is for an occasion like the birth of a child, a promotion, success, or the like, you may accept their gifts, just as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) accepted such gifts.
The Shaykh : An occasion?
The questioner : An occasion of theirs, such as one of them getting married, or a promotion in their jobs, or something else. So, is it permissible to accept this gift, which consists of sweets, or is it not permissible? And is it permissible to eat it, or not?
The Shaykh : In fact, the question is simply: Is it permissible for a person to accept a gift from a non-Muslim? That is the summary.
And the answer is: Yes, it is permissible to accept a gift from a non-Muslim. It is established that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) accepted a sheep from a Jewish woman that she had gifted to him. He also accepted the invitation of a Jew; that is, he was invited to a meal and he accepted the invitation, except in the case of a religious occasion. If it is for a religious occasion, it is not permissible to accept their gifts, such as their birthdays. It is not permissible for you to accept their gifts or congratulate them on that, because this is ... what is it regarding the rituals? Regarding the rituals of disbelief. For their rituals are things that a Muslim is not allowed to approve of or assist with.
As for what is for an occasion like the birth of a child, a promotion, success, or the like, you may accept their gifts, just as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) accepted such gifts.