Foods and Gifts from Non-Muslims

Answered by Shaikh Muhammad Salih Al-Uthaimeen (May Allah have mercy on him)

Question:  Occasionally, for special events my non-Muslim neighbor sends me food and sweets.  Is it permissible for me to eat them?

Answer:  Yes, it is permissible for you to eat food given as a gift from a non-Muslim if you trust them because the prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam) accepted a gift from a Jewish women which she gave in the form of a sheep and he also accepted a Jew’s invitation to share a meal and he ate (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam).  So, there is no problem in accepting the gifts of non-Muslims or eating their food with the condition that they are trustworthy (in that they would not try to harm you) and if you are worried or afraid (that they could harm you in some way i.e. serving you poisoned food etc.) then their invitation is not to be answered.  Likewise, it cannot be for a religious event or holiday like Christmas etc. as the gifts given for this event are not to be accepted.

Translated by John ‘Eesa’ Starling

http://www.ibnothaimeen.com/all/noor/article_8315.shtml

Internet Source : http://mtws.posterous.com/food-and-gifts-from-non-muslims