What is the ruling on showing affection to a disbeliever because of their beauty or character, or associating with them as a coworker or neighbor? What is the ruling on naturally loving non-belligerent disbelievers—a love that does not lead to prioritizing their love over the love of Allah and His Messenger? Is this considered a major or minor sin? Is merely laughing and joking with non-belligerent disbelievers and smiling in their faces forbidden in itself, or due to what it might lead to?

There are three situations regarding the validity of affection for a disbeliever: The first is loving him for his disbelief, and this is an act of disbelief. The second is loving and honoring him for worldly reasons, and this is forbidden. The third is loving him in return for a favor or kinship, and this is permissible. Islamic law has permitted affection for a non-belligerent disbeliever due to kinship or good character. There is no harm in laughing with him and smiling in his face, especially with those one interacts with, based on Allah's saying: "And speak to people good words," and His saying: "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."