Eating with Christians from their plates

A: It is permissible for a Muslim to eat from the slaughtered animals of the People of the Book, namely the Jews and the Christians, if they mention the Name of Allah when slaughtering, or if we do not know whether they have mentioned the Name of Allah or not. This is so provided that such slaughtered animals are made lawful for us. It is permissible to eat their food or eat our food served in their dishes. This is according to the most correct opinion of scholars. Jabir ibn `Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "We used to go out for battles with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and take the vessels and water skins of the Mushriks (those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) (as booties) and use them, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not blame us for that (action)." Also, `Abdullah ibn Mughaffal (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "I found a sack of butter on the day of (the Battle of) Khaybar and held it fast. As I swore not to give anyone any of it, (Part No. 22; Page No. 396) I turned back to see the Prophet (peace be upon him) smiling." (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Moreover, a Jew invited the Prophet (peace be upon him) to eat bread and rancid butter and he (the Prophet) ate from it. (Related by Ahmad and Abu Dawud) This is generally supported by what Allah (Exalted be He) says: The food (slaughtered cattle, eatable animals) of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) is lawful to you Nonetheless, a Muslim should be more cautious and avoid eating in their dishes, particularly when there is no need or necessity for that. This is because Abu Tha`labah (may Allah be pleased with him) told the Prophet (peace be upon him) that they might be in a land belonging to the People of the Book, and asked him if they could use their dishes when eating. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Do not eat in their dishes unless there is no other alternative. In this case, you should first wash them and then have food in them." (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.