Most-asked question
Can I eat food from a non-Muslim's function or home?
52 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 4 South African Darul Iftas (AskImam, Mufti Online, Azaadville, Ibn Masood). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.
Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.
Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.
What the Darul Iftas say
“It is not permissible for a Muslim to show any type of respect to any kuffaar celebration or festival or associate with it in any way. Hence, it is not permissible for a Muslim to say "Happy Diwali" to Hindus.”
“If a person wishes non-Muslims “Happy Diwali” in honour of the day, then there is a fear of losing one’s Imaan. By wishing the Kuffar “Happy Diwali”, their customs and beliefs of Shirk are honoured, which we have been prohibited from doing.”
“Diwali is a religious celebration of the Hindus in which the return of Lord Rama is commemorated, along with Sita and Lakshmana , from his 14-year-long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana.”
Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.
Read the fatawa
- Dressmaker altering clothing of non-Muslims for Diwali or Christmas Mufti Online · 21 Jun 2026
- Applying Mehndi On A Non-Muslim At The Time Of Diwali Azaadville · 31 Oct 2024
- Greeting Kuffar with 'Merry Christmas'? AskImam · 13 Dec 2023
- Wishing Hindus “Happy Diwali” and selling fireworks Ibn Masood · 5 Nov 2023
- Partaking of food prepared by Hindus at the time of Diwali Mufti Online · 23 Nov 2025
- A Non-Muslim Transporting Halaal Meat Azaadville · 4 Jul 2022
- How to reply to the Salaam of Non-Muslims and wishing Non-Muslims ‘happy diwali’? AskImam · 9 Sep 2019
- Non-Muslim delivering Halaal meat Ibn Masood · 8 Dec 2021
- Greeting non-Muslims and treating them well Mufti Online · 5 May 2025
- Is it permissible supply a Hindu Pooja/prayer shop with sweet meats? AskImam · 7 Jun 2018
- Husband taking a Christian as a second wife and ill-treating the first wife Mufti Online · 11 Feb 2023
- Is it permissible supply a Hindu Pooja/prayer shop with sweet meats? AskImam · 2 Jun 2018
- Buying food from a non-Muslim restaurant that gets its meat from a Muslim Mufti Online · 24 Jan 2023
- Wishing Hindus "Happy Diwali" on the occasion of Diwali Mufti Online · 2 Nov 2020
- Are Muslims allowed to visit their Hindu friends for Diwali and have sweets at their house? AskImam · 13 Nov 2012
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