Is the questioner sinful for refraining from helping non-Muslims (especially his car passengers) after the events of September 11, despite his knowledge of the virtue of charity and the saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him: "Whoever has an excess mount, let him give it in charity to one who has no mount"?

The answer clarifies the difference between befriending a disbeliever and showing kindness and benevolence towards them. Befriending a disbeliever is forbidden, as Allah the Almighty says: "You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day loving those who oppose Allah and His Messenger" and "O you who have believed, do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies, extending to them affection." However, kindness, justice, and benevolence are permissible towards those who do not wage war against Muslims, as Allah the Almighty says: "Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly." It is recommended to continue showing kindness and benevolence with the intention of inviting non-Muslims to Islam and demonstrating the generosity and mercy of a Muslim.