Ruling on Disbelievers Entering Mosques

Q: The sister (Umm 'Amad) from al-Madinah al-Munawwarah says in her question: Is it permissible to allow Christians, Jews, or other disbelievers to enter mosques to visit them, given that some Islamic countries organize such visits for certain dignitaries who visit them?

A: There is no harm in a disbeliever entering the mosque if it is for a legitimate purpose and a permissible matter; such as listening to the sermon, or drinking from the water, or something similar. This is because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) housed some delegations of disbelievers in his mosque (peace and blessings be upon him) so that they could see the people praying, hear his recitation (peace and blessings be upon him) and sermon, and call them to Allah from close range. Also, he (peace and blessings be upon him) tied Thumamah ibn 'Athal al-Hanafi in the mosque when he was brought to him as a prisoner, so Allah guided him and he embraced Islam. And success is from Allah.