What is the validity of some Muslim advisors using the noble verse: "Say, 'O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you — that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of Allah.' But if they turn away, then say, 'Bear witness that we are Muslims'" to direct a non-believer suffering from a problem to go to a church or temple and pray there?
It is good and legitimate for the counselor to direct the one seeking advice to Almighty Allah, because Allah answers the prayer of the distressed. However, it is not permissible to direct him to a church or a temple, lest it be imagined that the answer was due to prayer therein, which would strengthen his connection to the strongholds of polytheism. The mentioned verse does not contain any evidence for this matter.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/85921