Is it permissible to eat and drink with innovators (ahl al-bidʻah) at the same table, or is that forbidden, and what is the reason for its prohibition?

Eating with disbelievers and people of innovation is permissible in principle. Sheikh Ibn Baz was asked about eating or drinking with Christians or other disbelievers, and he replied that it is not forbidden if there is a necessity or a legitimate benefit. However, they should not be taken as companions for eating with them without a reason or a legitimate benefit, or for socializing and laughing with them. But if there is a necessity, such as eating with a guest, or for inviting them to Allah and guiding them to the truth, then there is no harm in that. Therefore, it is not correct to assert the absolute prohibition of eating with them.