Ruling on allowing non-Muslims to enter Masjids

Q: I am the Director of British Columbia Muslim Association. We work in the field of Da`wah (calling to Islam) among Non-Muslims. I have been working in this field for three years. Sometimes, non-Muslims visit Al-Masjid Al-Jami` (the large mosque where Jumu`ah [Friday] Prayers are held). I take them on a tour round the Masjid and lecture them on Islamic teachings. These lectures are given inside the Masjid where the non-Muslims willingly sit on the carpets. Some fellow Muslims criticize this. They believe that I should not allow non-Muslims to enter the Masjid or to sit on its carpets for several reasons. First, they believe that non-Muslims are Najis (ritually impure). Second, non-Muslim women are not dressed according to the Islamic dress code.I know that you are very busy, but I hope you would have time to reply to my question.

A: The basic rule is that it is permissible for non-Muslims to enter Masjids except Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah). This is especially acceptable when there is a legal considered interest, such as listening to lectures and watching the common solidarity, compassion, and mercy among Muslims. Abu Sufyan (may Allah be pleased with him) visited the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the Masjid before embracing Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also confined Thumamah Ibn Athal in the Masjid. He (peace be upon him) also accommodated Thaqif delegation and the Christian delegation of Najran in the Masjid before they embraced Islam. (Part No. 5; Page No. 266) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.