Islam and the Quran

Is it a sin for Muslims to appreciate Non-Muslims?

Question: Is it a sin to say to a Non-Muslim teacher “you are a good teacher”?

It is not a sin. Everyone can be good even Muslim or not. One narration from our Prophet is as follows:

“The best of Arabs are those who are good in the period of Islam as they were in the period of ignorance.” (Bukhari, Anbiya/Prophets 8, 14, 19; Muslim, Fadail/Virtue, 168 [2378])

After mentioning that Jews and Christians are given books, Allah the Almighty commanded:

Everyone has a direction. He heads for it. So, race in good works. Wherever you are, Allah will bring you all together. Surely, Allah has set a measure for everything.” (Al-Baqara / The Cow 2:148)

And He ordered Muslims to compete with Jews and Christians in good deeds.

Prophet Joseph also appreciated his master who is not a Muslim by saying;

“…Indeed, he is my master, who has made good my residence…” (Joseph 12:23)

All of these show that Non-Muslims can be appreciated for their good work by Muslims. This would not be a sin.

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