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Is it permissible for a Muslim to describe some disbelievers as being of better character than some Muslims?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

If it is claimed that the morals of disbelievers are absolutely better than the morals of Muslims, then this is forbidden and the person who says it should be asked to repent; because the head of all morals is politeness (adab) with Allah, and this is achieved by Muslims, not by disbelievers. As for preferring the morals of some disbelievers over some Muslims, that is a mistake, for disbelievers have wronged Allah and His prophets, and their good morals with people are few and often for worldly gains. Ibn Baz emphasized that true Muslims are more deserving of trustworthiness and honesty than disbelievers, and that if disbelievers show honesty, it is for their own benefit. He warned against employing disbelievers and preferring them under the pretext that they work more; for this is from the deception of Satan. Ibn Uthaymeen pointed out that the good morals that may appear from disbelievers are few and overshadowed by their misdeeds and disbelief, and that a Muslim adopts good morals seeking reward, while a disbeliever intends material gain. It is not permissible to seek assistance from Dhimmis in labor or writing, and preferring a disbeliever over a Muslim in terms of religion is apostasy.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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