Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
Is it permissible to accept and use a gift given from a non-Muslim specifically on the event of one of their celebrations such as Christmas?
Answer:
In the Name of God, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for your question.
Accepting a gift from a non-Muslim is permitted and allowed even though it may be at a time of their festivities and celebrations, with the following conditions:
- The gift must be something that is permitted for a Muslim.
- The intent to accept the gifts during a festivity should be for the purpose of good conduct and friendship rather than approval of shirk (associating partners with God).
The Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) as well as the Companions (may God be pleased with them) such as ʿAlī, ʿĀʾyesha, Abū Barzah and others have accepted gifts from disbelievers. (See: Bukhārī, Tabyīn Al-Ḥaqāiq and Iqtiḍā Al-Ṣirāt Al-Mustaqīm)
And Allāh Knows Best