Is it permissible to employ a non-Muslim, and is there a difference in this regard between People of the Book and others? Is it permissible to give charity to a poor non-Muslim or to assist them with medical treatment? And if a non-Muslim attends public Ramadan iftars unknowingly, will the benefactor be rewarded for that?

The priority for a Muslim who wishes to employ someone is to choose a Muslim employee, because they have a greater right to job opportunities, and because their wages will nourish bodies that believe in Allah, and it will protect them from the humiliation of begging. However, if a Muslim cannot find a Muslim who excels in a particular skill, then there is no harm in employing a non-Muslim. Indeed, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, hired a polytheist to guide him on his journey. There is no difference between the People of the Book and others in terms of disbelief. As for employing them, if any of them are at war with Muslims or their enmity is apparent, then it is not permissible to employ them. It is permissible to give charity to a non-Muslim and assist them if they are not at war, especially if there is a kinship between them, or in the hope of inclining them towards Islam and winning their hearts. Similarly, there is no harm in their attending Iftar meals to invite them to Islam. Allah Almighty said: (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). And the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "In every wet liver there is a reward [for kindness]."