Does congratulating Christians on their holidays—which might be considered part of the righteousness (birr) commanded by Allah in His verse: "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"—contradict the idea that it is an affirmation of falsehood, taking into account the hadith: "Actions are but by intentions," and the fact that Christians congratulate Muslims on their holidays despite differing beliefs?

A distinction must be made between showing kindness and benevolence to peaceful non-Muslims, which is an outward act of conduct, and showing them loyalty and love, which are inward acts of the heart. A Muslim is commanded to show them kindness and benevolence, while hating them for the sake of Allah due to their disbelief, without oppressing them or transgressing their rights.

Kindness to them involves gentleness towards their weak, fulfilling the needs of their poor, feeding their hungry, clothing their naked, speaking kindly to them, safeguarding their honor, wealth, and families, and assisting them in repelling injustice, provided that this does not lead to affection in the heart or glorification of symbols of disbelief.

Congratulating non-Muslims is permissible in matters of shared social life, such as marriage, recovery from illness, or the return of a traveler. However, it is not permissible to congratulate them on their specific religious rituals, such as their festivals, as this entails the glorification of symbols of disbelief.