Is it permissible for Muslims to take non-Muslims as friends, considering that they may be polytheists? And if a Muslim stops befriending them, how will they come to know the truth and embrace Islam? And if they are not interested in converting to Islam, should the relationship with them continue?

Allah Almighty has forbidden the believers from showing loyalty to the disbelievers, loving them, and taking them as close associates, even if they are not fighting the Muslims. Conversely, Allah has not forbidden reciprocating kindness with kindness towards non-combatants or exchanging permissible benefits with them.

It is necessary to distinguish between treating a disbeliever well and taking him as a friend, and between benefiting from him in commercial or academic matters and befriending him in a way that necessitates love and influence. It is also necessary to distinguish between establishing a relationship with him for the purpose of inviting him to Islam and accompanying him without a legitimate religious intention.