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Is it permissible for a Muslim to advise his Christian colleague to "fear Allah and lower his gaze"?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

According to the majority of scholars, disbelievers are addressed by the ancillary branches of Sharia. Their deeds are not valid unless they first embrace faith. The fruit of this difference of opinion manifests in the increase of their torment in the Hereafter. It is not valid to command disbelievers with pure acts of worship because they are not qualified for them and will not be rewarded for them. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded Mu'adh to first invite the People of the Book to worship Allah, and then to prayers, which indicates that the command to observe the religious laws only comes after faith. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, specifically advised Muslims. A distinction should be made between pure acts of worship and acts of worship that protect honor and fulfill the rights of people, such as lowering the gaze and truthful speech. Commanding them with these brings benefit to the Muslim community.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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