Is It Permissible to Feed Non-Muslims During Ramadan?
Question
As Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu, Alhamdulillah we Salaatu wa Salaamu alaa Rasulullah. Is it permissible to feed non Muslims during Ramadan?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
1. The Shari Context
Feeding others is a virtuous act in Islam. Allah says:
“And they give food, in spite of love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.”
Surat al Insan 76:8
The word “captive” in the verse includes non-Muslims, as many captives at that time were not Muslim. This demonstrates that feeding non-Muslims is not only permissible but praiseworthy.
The Prophet ﷺ also maintained ties and acts of kindness with non-Muslims, including relatives and neighbors.
Ramadan is a month of mercy, generosity, and dawah through good character.
2. Scholarly Discussion
The scholars agree that voluntary charity (sadaqah) may be given to non-Muslims, especially if they are:
- Needy,
- Neighbors,
- Relatives,
- Or in peaceful relations with Muslims.
There is consensus that zakat has specific categories defined in the Quran:
“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and the needy…”
Surat al Tawbah 9:60
The majority of scholars hold that obligatory zakat is not given to non-Muslims except under specific categories such as reconciliation of hearts according to some juristic interpretations.
However, voluntary feeding and charity are broadly permissible and encouraged.
There is no prohibition in Ramadan against feeding non-Muslims during daytime or nighttime. The fasting obligation is upon Muslims, not upon non-Muslims.
3. Application to the Question
If you feed non-Muslims during Ramadan:
- It is permissible.
- It may even be recommended, especially if it builds goodwill and reflects Islamic character.
- It may serve as a form of dawah through action.
If you are hosting an iftar and invite non-Muslim neighbors or colleagues, this is allowed and can be virtuous.
However:
- Zakat has specific rules and should not be given to non-Muslims except in limited cases recognized by scholars.
- Voluntary charity and hospitality have no such restriction.
There is no requirement that food distribution in Ramadan be restricted to Muslims only.
4. Relevant Usul Principle
الأصل في المعاملات الإباحة
The default ruling in social dealings is permissibility
Feeding and hospitality are acts of social interaction. Unless there is clear prohibition, they remain permissible.
البر والإحسان مطلوبان مع غير المحاربين
Kindness and goodness are required toward those who are not hostile
Allah says:
“Allah does not forbid you from being righteous and just toward those who do not fight you because of religion.”
Surat al Mumtahanah 60:8
This establishes the permissibility and virtue of benevolence toward peaceful non-Muslims.
Final Ruling
Yes, it is permissible and even praiseworthy to feed non-Muslims during Ramadan, especially as an act of kindness, charity, or good relations. Obligatory zakat has specific rules, but voluntary feeding and hospitality are fully allowed.
And Allah knows best.