Q&A Religious Enquiries Can I break my fast at my friend’s house who is not a Muslim? Can I also invite her over for iftar?

Can I break my fast at my friend’s house who is not a Muslim? Can I also invite her over for iftar?

Number: 15
Publication: 2019-10-06
Answer
Praise be to Allah s.w.t.

On this matter, the Quran provides the following principle: “And Allah does not forbid you to deal kindly and justly with anyone who has not fought you for your faith or driven you out of your homes. God loves the just.” (al-Mumtaḥanah:8).

There is hence no reason as to why one cannot break fast at the house of a friend of a different faith, or invite them over, as this is in line with the spirit of neighbourliness and friendship taught in the Quran.

In fact, to turn down the invitation of your friend of another faith, who has generously extended the invitation to you to celebrate and honor the Muslims’ special occasion, would be inappropriate. You can always inform your host politely of your dietary requirements or even offer to contribute to the dinner by bringing your own food if you do not want to inconvenience them.

For further elaborations on dietary requirements using the utensils that have been used to eat non-halal food, please refer to the topic on food and dining.

We hope that all of us can foster the spirit of togetherness with our neighbours and those around.

Allah knows best.

Source: Contemporary Irsyad Series https://www.muis.gov.sg/-/media/Files/OOM/Resources/CIS_280818_4.pdf