so we do not say that we should treat them in kind: if they congratulate us on our festivals, then we congratulate them on theirs. This is due to the difference already mentioned.

As for congratulating them on worldly matters—such as when a child is born to one of them, when something he had lost is found, when he builds a house, or the like—this requires consideration. If there is some benefit in doing so, then there is no harm in it; but if there is no benefit, then it is a form of honoring them, so they should not be congratulated. One possible benefit is reciprocation: for example, if it is their custom to congratulate us on such occasions, then we congratulate them.

As for offering them condolences, it is not permissible to do so, because condolences are meant to comfort the bereaved and alleviate their affliction, whereas we do not wish for them to be spared afflictions. Rather, we say:

“Say, ‘Are you awaiting for us anything except one of the two best outcomes, while we await for you that Allah will afflict you with a punishment from Himself or at our hands?’” [al-Tawbah: 52]

This undoubtedly applies to those at war with the Muslims.

However, regarding non-Muslims living under Muslim protection, some scholars have said that offering them condolences is permissible where there is a benefit, such as winning their hearts over, or by way of reciprocation: if they do so for us, then we do so for them.

As for visiting them when they are ill, the correct view is that this is permissible, but likewise only where there is a benefit—for example, if it is hoped that he may accept Islam by presenting Islam to him. The Prophet visited a Jewish servant of his when he was ill and presented Islam to him. The boy looked toward his father as though seeking his counsel, and his father said to him, “Obey Muhammad.” So he accepted Islam, and the Prophet left saying, “Praise be to Allah, who saved him from the Fire.” (1) Thus, if there is a benefit in visiting them, such as calling them to Islam