a place of safety and ample space; he will also find opportunities to engage in jihad (striving) for the sake of Allah and to make His religion manifest.
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Mixing with Those Who Have Left Islam
Question: There are people among us who are called Muslims, yet, regrettably, they possess nothing of Islam but its name. They are far removed from the faith and do not conduct themselves by its manners. Work sometimes brings us together, so we mix with them and sit with them. Do we incur any sin for that?

Answer: Social interaction is of two kinds:

1. Interaction limited to work only. It is better, where possible, for the believers to keep to themselves and stay away from such people; this is desirable, safer for their religion, and more secure for their accountability. If that is not possible, they may perform their work, and there is no blame on them for doing so.

2. Interaction that involves companionship, affection, and familiarity. This is prohibited. It is not permissible to associate with these individuals, feel at ease with them, love them, or joke with them in a manner that shows closeness. So long as they do not pray or fast and know of Islam only its name, they are not Muslims; therefore, they must be shunned and avoided—except when mixing with them is motivated by the hope of calling them to Allah and teaching them the rulings of their religion. They may simply be ignorant of their faith or influenced by corrupters, and if they were to find someone to guide and teach them, they might benefit. If socialising with them serves this purpose, then such interaction is sanctioned. However, if it is merely for company, affection, and friendship without any positive effect upon them, it is not permissible.