How should one deal with a missionary who knocks on the door, and is it permissible to gift him a copy of the Qur'an after inviting him to Islam?

Firstly: Attention should be paid to two terms: 1. "Mubashshir" (evangelist): The more accurate term is "munassir" (missionary); because "tabshir" (evangelism) means guidance and paradise, which is the opposite of what they advocate. 2. "The Holy Book": It is impermissible to use this term for the current books of the Jews and Christians because they are distorted, and holiness and veneration belong to Allah alone, the Exalted.

Secondly: It is beneficial for a Muslim to counter an invitation to disbelief with an invitation to Islam, if they possess knowledge and the ability to refute misconceptions, drawing upon the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him), as happened with Dimad, who embraced Islam after hearing the words of the Prophet (peace be upon him). During dialogue, a Muslim should not adopt a defensive stance, but rather be the one in control of the initiative. They can utilize books that critique the other party's religion.

Thirdly: It is not permissible to give a disbeliever a copy of the Arabic Qur'an if there is a fear of its desecration, due to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) prohibition of traveling with the Qur'an to enemy territory for fear that the enemy might obtain it and violate its sanctity. However, giving them a translation of the meanings of the Qur'an is permissible, because a translation is not considered the Qur'an itself. It is also permissible to give books and pamphlets that encourage Islam and clarify its true nature.