10-25-2004, 01:08 PM
Assalamu aleikum,
Just one thing on my mind for now.
I hope we have been able to come clear here about how people are supposed to treat one another, Muslim or non-Muslim.
About eating at each others place, as sister Muslimah included in good things to do to come closer to our non-Muslim fellowmen, is also a nice thing to do.
But a personal reflection - most friends may be aware of that there MIGHT be some problems concerning food, and if they do then you have been able to LEARN them something of your faith, alhamdulillah. And if they ask you WHAT they can offer you, then it is even better. Especially if they suspect you will not eat anything if it does not suite you!
But inviting your friends to your house may also be very good, and sometimes better if you have friends that feels a bit embarressed since they are not 100 percent fully comfortable with the situation and don't want to make 'a fool of themselves'. And then they can for sure be served 100 percent halal-food. And shown a Muslim family's environment. And be present during prayer. But if you visit their home and it is prayer-time, find a place to worship in their home too. The first time your friends sees you praying, they may feel 'peculiar' but they will get used to it. It is a wonderful opportunity to do dawah. Prayer is one of the most impressing sights to witness for a non-Muslim, so I believe.
And to watch the full submission that Muslims show when we pray to our Creator seems to be one of the ways that some people have embraced Islam by.
Wasalam