Q 10: We have Christian neighbors. What should we do if they give us a gift? Should we accept it? Is it permissible for us to meet them without wearing our face veils and show them more than our faces? Is it permissible for us to purchase goods from Christian merchants?

A: You should treat well whoever treats you well, Christians or others. If they give you a permissible gift, you should reward them. The Prophet (peace be upon him) accepted the gift of the Roman ruler who was a Christian and the gift of the Jews. Moreover, Allah (Exalted be He) states: Allâh does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes. Verily, Allâh loves those who deal with equity. It is only as regards those who fought against you on account of religion, and have driven you out of your homes, and helped to drive you out, that Allâh forbids you to befriend them. And whosoever will befriend them, then such are the Zâlimûn (wrong-doers - those who disobey Allâh). It is permissible for you (Part No. 26; Page No. 105) to meet them wearing the clothes that are permissible to wear when meeting Muslim women according to the soundest of religious scholars' views. Also it is permissible to purchase whatever permissible goods you need from them.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.