Is praising a disbeliever, such as saying "excellent" to a disbelieving carpenter, considered an act of disbelief (kufr) or not, and is there a form of praise that does not lead to disbelief?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Praising a disbeliever is not disbelief, unless it indicates admiration for his disbelief or contentment with it. However, praising him for praiseworthy qualities, such as his proficiency in work, carries no sin. Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, praised Abdullah ibn Judan in front of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and he did not object, but he informed her that it would not benefit him in the Hereafter. It should be brought to the attention of anyone who seeks the praise of a disbeliever for his work that he is a disbeliever and that a Muslim is more deserving.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/57882
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 57882
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy