Question
Assalamu alaikum
Dear Shaykh Akram
My dear elderly neighbour passed away yesterday and I’ve been invited to the church funeral. Please can you advise as to whether I can attend?
Jazakumullah khair
Answer:
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
May Allah reward you for your sensitivity, good manners, and concern to act in a way that pleases Him while maintaining good relations with those around you. Your question reflects a sincere desire to balance faithfulness to Islam with kindness towards others, which is itself a praiseworthy intention. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Islam places great importance on maintaining good relations with neighbours and the wider community, regardless of differences in religion. The Prophet ﷺ repeatedly emphasised the rights of neighbours, to the extent that he said: “Jibril continued to advise me regarding the neighbour until I thought he would make him an heir.” This teaching applies to Muslim and non-Muslim neighbours alike and includes showing respect, kindness, and compassion, especially at times of loss and grief.
With regard to attending the funeral of a non-Muslim, the majority of classical and contemporary scholars permit a Muslim to attend for the purpose of offering condolences, maintaining neighbourly relations, and showing respect for human dignity. This is supported by the well-known incident in which the Prophet ﷺ stood when a Jewish funeral procession passed by him. When asked why he did so, he replied: “Was it not a human soul?” This shows that Islam recognises the dignity of human life without endorsing the religious beliefs of others.
However, Islam also draws clear boundaries to protect one’s faith. While attendance for social and humanitarian reasons is permitted, participation in religious rituals that contradict Islamic belief is not allowed. This includes joining in prayers, hymns, or statements that affirm beliefs contrary to tawḥīd. During such moments, you should remain silent and refrain from any form of participation. Your presence should be understood as an expression of sympathy and good character, not religious agreement.
It is also important to distinguish between condolence and religious endorsement. Islam encourages excellent conduct with others, while firmly prohibiting compromise in matters of belief. Allah states clearly in the Qur’an: “Allah does not forbid you from being kind and just to those who do not fight you because of religion” (Qur’an 60:8). This verse provides a strong foundation for maintaining peaceful and respectful relations within a plural society such as ours.
If you feel uncomfortable remaining for the entirety of the church service, there is no harm in attending briefly, offering condolences to the family, and then leaving politely. This approach is often sufficient to convey care and respect, while also safeguarding your religious principles. Alternatively, expressing condolences before or after the service, or in writing, is also acceptable if that feels more appropriate.
Living as Muslims in a diverse society requires wisdom, balance, and clarity. By observing these guidelines, you can maintain strong community relations, reflect the beautiful character taught by Islam, and remain fully obedient to Allah. Such conduct often becomes a means of dawah through example, demonstrating that Islamic faith encourages compassion, dignity, and moral integrity.
May Allah grant you wisdom in your actions, accept your good intentions, and reward you for striving to uphold both faith and good character.
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